Universally interactive request for information

ABSTRACT

A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the Internet. In one implementation, a code identifying an item of media content of interest (e.g. television, newspaper, magazines, billboards, radio) is captured and input to an RFI system that includes stored media tags and a search tool for matching inputs to the stored media tags. Upon receipt of the captured code, the RFI system matches the captured code with the stored media tags and provides a response to the user based on the match. The response may include or relate to follow-on or premium information relating to the content of interest. Using this information, an RFI data center or an RFI platform may credit value to a rewards account established for the network user based on the user&#39;s verified consumption of assets and/or data requests. Further, the RFI data center or RFI platform may be used to collect consumer behavior information, including purchasing decisions made by the user after consumption of assets, and correlate the consumer behavior information with the user&#39;s verified asset consumption.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/683,023 filed on Aug. 22, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/191,370, filed on Jul. 26, 2011, whichclaims priority under to U.S. Provisional Application 61/409,002, filedon Nov. 1, 2010 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/367,588,filed on Jul. 26, 2010, which are related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/467,890, filed on May 18, 2009, which is acontinuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/024,714,filed on Feb. 1, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/887,750, filed on Feb. 1, 2007, the entire contentsof all of which are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth infull.

Additional disclosure relating to this application is found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/024,696, filed on Feb. 1, 2008, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/887,747, filed onFeb. 1, 2007.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to providing information ofinterest, such as follow-on advertising, transaction interfaces, productcoupons, or other information, to users of a communications network and,in particular, to a system for providing information of interestidentified in relation to a first communications mode (e.g., whilewatching broadcast television, observing a billboard, reading a magazineor newspaper, listening to AM, FM, or satellite radio, or observing anynon-media content of interest) to a user engaged in a secondcommunications mode (e.g., using the Internet, watching TV, using acellular telephone, or receiving hard copy mail).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Assets such as advertising materials, web pages, product coupons oritems of programming content are provided in connection with variouscommunications mechanisms such as broadcast networks, data networks,ambient advertising and in print media. In the advertising context,these assets include commercials inserted into commercial breaks ofbroadcast television or radio, product placement advertising embeddedinto pre-recorded or live programming, banner ads, pop-up ads and thelike, billboards and other outdoor signage and printed advertisements inmagazines newspapers and the like. These different types of assets havebeen used in different contexts and have different relative advantagesthat have been the subject of considerable attention by asset providers,information providers and other interested parties.

In the case of broadcast television, commercials broadcast duringcommercial breaks have long been a significant source of revenues. Thesecommercials can be designed to use full motion video and audio contentto create viewer impressions that have substantial impact. Morerecently, broadcast television advertising has been supplemented byproduct placement, pop-up and other advertising opportunities in thetelevision mode. Moreover, large audiences can be reached with somedegree of targeting based on the demographics of the audience of theassociated programming. Indeed, television advertising has been integralto the marketing of some of the most valuable brands of our era.

Of course, though, there are limitations to the effectiveness oftelevision advertising. For example, airtime for such advertising isexpensive, particularly in connection with programming having thelargest audiences of the most desirable demographics. In part because ofthe high value of such advertising spots, advertisers are limited, as apractical matter, to brief time intervals to make the desired impressionand convey sufficient information to advance potential salesopportunities. Moreover, because of the passive nature of the broadcastexperience, viewers are generally not in a position to immediatelyconsummate a transaction or even, in most cases, to record informationfor later use. The latter shortcoming has led to the art forms ofjingles, mnemonics and the like to assist viewers in retaining importantadvertising information.

Print advertising, for example, in periodicals or flyers, provides anopportunity for the advertiser to include a substantial amount ofproduct or service information as well as coupons, retail outletinformation and the like. All of this may enhance the opportunity tocapture the consumer's attention and induce the desired purchasingdecision. Moreover, as the consumer has a hard copy of theadvertisement, the consumer may be able to keep the information on-handuntil needed, e.g., to consummate a transaction. However, printadvertising often lacks the reach of some other advertising modes suchas broadcast advertising. In addition, because use of print materials isself-directed and the consumer is therefore not “captive,” printmaterials can be easily ignored by consumers.

Another popular form of advertising is ambient advertising, such asbillboards or panels on vehicles, that provide advertisements in thesurroundings of potential consumers. Ambient advertising has theadvantage of potentially reaching large numbers of consumers who areeffectively captured in the advertising environment. However, thoseconsumers may be distracted by other activities or fail to notice theadvertisement altogether. Moreover, these consumers are often reached atless-advantageous times, for example, when the consumers are not in apurchasing mode. Ambient advertising, like broadcast advertising, alsosuffers from the disadvantage that consumers are generally not able toimmediately consummate a transaction or even record information forlater use.

By contrast, advertising in data networks can take advantage ofinteractive functionality to improve ad effectiveness. For example,users can select links of interest, in some cases, to delve deeper intodetails of interest and obtain more customized content. However, suchdata network advertising is not effective in reaching some consumers. Inaddition, such advertising can be easily avoided or disregarded by somenetwork users. Moreover, metrics for measuring the effectiveness of suchadvertising are still being developed, particularly in contexts wherethe ads do not lead to an immediate “click.”

Accordingly there is a continuing effort to provide effective assetdelivery to users of multiple networks in different use modes. Ideally,asset providers would like to utilize the comparative advantages of eachnetwork to effectively maximize users' asset consumption by enablingflexible, elective access to secondary assets of interest to users.

In addition, it is desirable for asset providers to associateeasily-accessible assets with non-media items that are of interest tousers of data networks. Because non-media items such as actualindividuals, buildings, natural monuments, commercial products andservices, and so on, are not traditionally asset-enabled, assetproviders would like to associate assets that users may electivelyconsume with everyday items of content that users encounter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to improving the effectiveness ofasset delivery as well as verifying the effectiveness of the assets andtheir receipt in leading to desired behaviors. The system incorporates anumber of inventive aspects that are applicable in a variety of networkcontexts. In the exemplary context of a cable television network, theinvention involves developing a database of pre-recorded or live assetsplayed on the various channels of the cable television network atvarious times. The system can receive an indication of interest or arequest-for-information request (“RFI request”) entered in connectionwith an aspect of the viewer experience (e.g., a conventionaladvertisement during a programming break, a product placementadvertisement, a pre-recorded or live television broadcast, a livesporting event). The indication of interest can be expressed through acaptured code such as acaptured image of a television advertisement or acaptured image of an icon or other indicia associated with a televisionadvertisement. In a similar manner, the indication of interest could bean audio recording of the television advertisement, a voice recordingdescribing the television advertisement, or the entry of an alphabetic,numeric, or alphanumeric character string provided in an icon associatedwith the television advertisement. As discussed below, this informationcan be used to provide a follow-on asset via a variety of differentnetworks or modes, to analyze advertisement effectiveness, to correlateadvertisement viewing and consumption to purchasing decisions, and avariety of other purposes.

The RFI functionality described above is applicable in any context. Forexample, in addition to broadcast content, RFI requests may be submittedin connection with any type of media content such as content provided inradio advertisements and/or programs, print media such as magazines andnewspapers, and content displayed on billboards, benches, busses and/orsubways. As a further example, in addition to the broadcast videocontext, RFI requests may be submitted in connection with video accessedvia the Internet such as through YouTube®, Netflix®, Hulu™, or withVideo-on-Demand (VOD) services. Moreover, RFI requests may be submittedin connection with items of non-media content that have been associatedwith a follow-on asset. For example, an RFI icon having an identifyingRFI identifier could be associated with an individual, a place such as apublic park or national monument, or an object or thing such as a car,bicycle, business, or sports team.

One implementation provides a request for information (“RFI”) method andapparatus (“utility”) for receiving a captured element of media contentand providing additional information in any of various modes, therebytaking full advantage of different usage modes associated with differentnetworks and advertising types. For example, asset providers, includingadvertisers and programming providers, may produce content (e.g.,advertisements or pre-recorded or live programming in the case ofbroadcast networks) that includes RFI icons indicating that the contentis RFI enabled and that a user may request additional follow-on assetsand information relating to any of the RFI enabled content. The RFI iconmay indicate the type of follow-on information that is available for theparticular RFI enabled content (e.g., display a music cleft forinformation relating to music, a dollar sign for coupons or financialincentives, a question mark for additional information or productmaterials, and so on). Alternatively, the content may include a generalRFI icon, and the user may be prompted at a later time regarding whattype of information the user would like to receive in relation to theRFI enabled content. For example, the user may be shown a thumbnail viewof a video frame that appeared at the time the RFI request was madebefore the user is prompted to provide further instructions regardingthe specific follow-on information desired.

The RFI icon may also include a character string or other indicia whichprovides a unique or nearly unique identifier that can be used toidentify the content of interest. Such indicia may include analphabetic, numeric, or alpha-numeric text string, a 1-D or 2-D barcode,a quick response code, or a combination of any of these. The icon may beoptimized for easy computer recognition from a captured image.

The same RFI icon could be used in broadcast network content, in printmedia and ambient advertising, and in connection with any type ofnon-media content (e.g., any person, place, or thing) of interest. Forexample, an RFI icon could be sewn into a letterman jacket or printedonto a vehicle bumper sticker. However, it might be advantageous to usedifferent icons in different content categories.

The RFI icon may also be placed on the packaging of a product in a storeor on a list of services available in a commercial establishment. An RFIrequest, submitted for a product or service using a mobile device, couldresult in an immediate indication of special pricing, detailed productor service information, or a coupon usable at the point of sale.

In a broadcast context, the RFI icon may be visible throughout theduration of an RFI enabled event or it may be visible for only adiscrete period of time. For example, an RFI icon may be presentthroughout the duration of a televised commercial advertisement. Inanother implementation, however, the RFI icon may appear at thebeginning of a program with instructions for the user to enter an RFIrequest at any time during the program that the user notes something ofinterest. For example, an RFI icon containing a musical cleft may appearat the beginning of the television show “Lost.” If and when the userhears music that is of interest to the user, the user may submit an RFIrequest to receive additional information regarding, for example, theartist(s) and track(s) played and to optionally download the music. In anon-broadcast context, an RFI icon may appear on a scoreboard during alive sporting event such as an NFL football game. Upon seeing the icon,a fan in attendance may submit an RFI request to receive additionalinformation relating to the team, a specific player, a recent playduring the game, a promotional deal on team gear, and so on.

It will be appreciated that this utility may be implemented without anyicon or other adaptation of the original content. In this regard, an RFIrequest may be in many different ways. For example, as discussed in moredetail below, an element of the content itself may be captured using acamera. Alternatively, a user may record an audio snippet of the content(e.g., a portion of a television or radio program, a portion of a liveevent). A user may also record a verbal description of the content. Inthese instances, the content does not have to include an RFI icon. Thecaptured element may be matched to a tag associated with the follow-onasset by an appropriate search tool. Also, in the case of broadcasttelevision, the user may click on an RFI input button without beingprompted by any icon. In such cases, the user may then beprompted toindicate the desired information (e.g., by selecting from a menu) or theRFI input may simply be recorded, e.g., together with the time andchannel (and any other information). Logic of an RFI platform can thenbe used to identify and provide responsive information.

As discussed above, an important aspect of the present invention relatesto allowing users to easily request and receive follow-on assetsrelating to any content of interest. Such follow-on assets may includeinformation such as product and/or service information or marketingmaterials, coupons, or other materials regarding the content. Certainproposals in this regard have been limited to specific interactiveenvironments, specific media, or have required substantial productionmodification to accommodate this functionality. For example, interactiveassets broadcast on a television network may require complex code at aset top box to implement interactivity. Moreover, such interactiveassets may require assets to be developed through a production processthat defines the interactive behavior of the asset. Interactive assetsdistributed through a broadcast network may also require that metadatabe transmitted along with the interactive asset for processing by theset top box software. These interactive television asset systems may notextend to digital video recorder (DVR) time shifting environments and donot extend to certain broadcast environments such as airwavebroadcasting, analog cable broadcasting, or digital cable broadcastingwithout interactive logic. Moreover, proposed solutions are generallylimited to particular media and do not provide a common platform tosupport a variety of media including television, radio, print,billboard, and the like. Nor do they provide a common platform tosupport non-media content of interest.

Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a utilityis provided that supports requests for information in relation to avariety of media. The utility involves providing a network platformincluding stored media tags relating to defined items of media contentof interest and a search tool for matching codes relating to the defineditems of media content to the stored media tags. The defined items ofmedia content may include television or radio programming, printcontent, web-based content, billboard content, and the like. The utilityfurther involves receiving a code relating to one of the defined itemsof media content, operating the network platform to match the code to acorresponding one of the media tags, and providing a response to a userbased on the corresponding one of the media tags. The stored media tagsmay include instructions regarding the mechanisms by which follow-onassets may be provided to a user making an RFI request.

The codes relating to the defined items of media content may include abroad array of content identifiers such as, for example, numeric,alphabetic, or alpha-numeric character strings, barcodes, quick responsecodes, and so on. The codes may also be audio or video snippets takenfrom the defined items of media content or images of the defined itemsof media content. For example, while a code may be a character stringsuch as “BMW335i,” it may also be an audio snippet recorded over aportion of a BMW television advertisement, or an image of an actual BMW335i.

Similarly, a variety of techniques may be used to capture the code.These techniques depend, for example, on the nature of the media contentof interest. Thus, in the case of media content including a visualcomponent, the media content element may be captured using a camera tocapture a digital image. For instance, the user can operate a digitalcamera to capture an image of a print media asset, a billboard, a frameor video segment, printing on a vehicle or other product, or an actualphysical product (e.g., a product at a supermarket or automobile ofinterest).

In the case of audio content, an audio recorder can be used to capture asegment including some or all of the content. In other cases, where themedia content is configured to include or is associated with anidentifying character string or other identifying information, theidentifying information may be captured by entering the identifyinginformation using a keypad or other input device of a communicationsdevice and then operating the communications device to transmit theelement to a network platform. Alternatively, a visual or audio code(e.g., encoded in a tone or series of tones, or in an image pattern) maybe captured directly by a recording device. Such codes may beperceptible or imperceptible to a human user. It will be appreciated, inthis regard, that a variety of communications devices may be utilized.For example, the code may be captured on a first device (e.g., a digitalcamera, digital recorder, or the like) and transferred to a seconddevice such as a laptop computer, personal computer, cell phone, orother mobile device. The code may then be transmitted to the platformvia a data network such as the Internet, telephony network, or othernetwork.

Conveniently, the media content element may be captured and transmittedto the platform using a single device such as a smart phone with anappropriate application for executing the functionality described above.For example, such an application may provide prompts for the user toidentify the desired methodology for capturing the content element(e.g., by entering a picture, audio recording, user voice recording,character string, text, or the like) and for transmitting the capturedelement to the platform. The device may also be operative to capturemetadata or instruct metadata to be sent to the platform from anotherlocation. For example, the metadata may include the time that theelement was captured, the location of the device at the time the elementwas captured, and other information such as a station, channel,periodical, name, and additional or other information associated withthe media content element. Because the code may be captured in a varietyof ways, the network platform may receive the codes via a variety ofdifferent modalities. That is, the network platform may receive a typedentry, a transmission of an image, or a transmission of an audio, video,or voice recording from a user device such as a mobile telephone or alaptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

The process of matching the codes relating to the defined items of mediacontent to the stored media tags may vary depending, for example, on thenature of the captured code, whether the captured code has beenpreprocessed and/or associated with metadata, and the nature of thefollow-on asset to be provided in response to the RFI request. In thecase where the code includes an image or video content, imagerecognition software may be used to identify image objects. In thisregard, the image recognition software may identify shapes, textelements, logos, faces, or other objects that can be used as a basis tomatch the captured image to stored information. In the case of audiocontent elements, the audio content may be processed to generate text orto generate an audio signature that provides a basis for such matching.Such processing may be conducted in the time domain, frequency domain,or other domain. Character strings or other identifying informationentered by the user may be directly matched to corresponding indicia inthe stored tags. If any metadata has been captured or otherwise providedto the platform, such as time of capture, location of capture, userdemographic information, a transmission band associated with the mediacontent, or the like, such metadata can be used to expedite or improvethe accuracy of the matching process. For instance, metadata may be usedto disambiguate codes that are not globally unique. Focusing on anexample in which the code is an alphabetic character string, metadataindicating the date and/or time the code was entered could be used todifferentiate one code “ABC” from another code “ABC.” For example, “ABC”entered at 11:00 am on a weekday may indicate the daytime talk show “TheView,” while “ABC” entered at 11:00 pm on a weekday may indicate thenightly news program “Nightline.”

Once the captured element has been matched to a corresponding storedmedia tag, a response can be provided to the user based on thecorresponding media tag. Generally, the response may involve providingan associated follow-on asset, or causing an associated asset to beprovided, to an appropriate user device. The associated asset mayinclude additional information, coupons, or other material related tothe media content. In many instances, the asset is a web-based assetthat may be provided to a user device via a data platform or website. Inother instances, the asset may include downloadable media content thatis directly downloaded to a user device in response to the user's RFIrequest (e.g., music files, software application files). To accommodatethe variable nature of the follow-on assets, each of the media tags mayinclude coded instructions regarding the provision of its associatedfollow-on asset to a 10 user device. For example, the media tag mayindicate where the associated follow-on asset is stored and how theasset is to be provided to the user. In one embodiment, the associatedasset may be stored at the network platform such that the correspondingmedia tag provides instructions regarding directing a user device to acentralized data platform or web site that is hosted by or affiliatedwith the platform operator. In another embodiment, the associated assetmay be stored at a third-party server that is operated, for example, bythe producer of the media tag and associated asset. In this embodiment,the corresponding media tag may include instructions regarding directinga user device to a data platform or landing website that is hosted bythe third party. In yet another embodiment, the corresponding media tagmay include instructions regarding directing a user device to a socialnetwork web portal such as Facebook® or Linkedin®.

Notably, the associated asset may be provided in a variety of differentmedia and via a variety of different networks. Thus, for example, inresponse to the submission of a picture of a billboard or product, theuser may receive a television advertisement, direct mailing, email, textmessage, web address, or the like related to an associated product orservice. This information may be delivered to the device used totransmit the captured element to the platform or may be delivered to aseparate device or location.

Just as metadata may impact the matching process, it may also affect thetype of follow-on asset that is provided to the user device. Forinstance, if metadata included with the RFI request provides anindication of the user's geographic location, the follow-on assetprovided to the user may be tailored accordingly (e.g., promotionalmaterials and/or coupons may be tailored for redemption at the nearestretail outlet). In another example, a different follow-on asset may beprovided to the user as a function of any known demographiccharacteristics of the user (e.g., a female and a male submitting an RFIrequest relating to the same content of interest may each receive adifferent follow-on asset).

The RFI utility may be an opt-in program on two levels or, in certaininstances, an anonymous ad-hoc system: First, users may opt-in orsubscribe by creating an RFI membership account that includes certaininformation voluntarily provided by the user. This information mayinclude demographic information such as, for example, age, gender,ethnicity, income level, or geographic location. It may also includecontact information, such as, for example, an e-mail address andpreference information such as privacy permissions, product preferences,and the programming networks for which the user would like to enable theRFI utility. Second, and as discussed above, a subscribed user mayindicate interest in particular RFI enabled content, or submit an RFIrequest, on a real-time basis. In circumstances where a cellulartelephone or a personal computer is used to transmit the RFI request,there is no absolute requirement for a user to opt-in since a returnpath to the user is implicit in the request. For instance, if a cellulartelephone is used, then the phone number used to communicate the RFIrequest is available and a response could automatically be sent via SMSmessage to the telephone. When using a PC, and immediate response to aweb browser can be made.

Even though an ad-hoc mode is available, there are many reasons toencourage users to opt-in. To encourage users to opt-in and to educateusers regarding the RFI program, a network operator, commonly referredto as a Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD) such as, forexample, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Verizon FiOS and DirecTV, mayeducate users regarding the RFI utility using broadcast informationcommercials, mailers, or the like. These informational materials mayexplain the RFI utility and instruct broadcast network users as to howto subscribe or opt-in to the program, and once subscribed, how toindicate an interest in specific RFI enabled content such that the userwill receive follow-on information. In addition, content providers mayalso educate users regarding the RFI utility by using network pundits toprovide real-time instruction to users as RFI icons become available.For example, during a live CNN newscast, an anchorman could instructviewers to submit an RFI request whenever the RFI icon appears at thebottom of the screen to receive more information regarding a particularnews story. The pundit could also instruct users to visit a centralizedRFI website or web portal, such as www.SnapPing.com, and follow theappropriate links to subscribe or opt-in to the RFI program. During thesubscription or opt-in process, the user may choose to enable the RFIutility for specific additional programming networks or the user maychoose to opt-in globally for every available programming network.

To provide additional incentive to users to opt-in to the RFI program,members may be given access to advanced functionalities for organizing,filtering, and even forwarding tags for associated assets. Members mayalso take advantage of auto-tagging capabilities that allow the user topre-define follow-on assets that the user would prefer to receiveautomatically without the need to submit an individual RFI request foreach asset.

Members may also access a media generation platform operated inconnection with the network platform. The media generation platform mayinclude a media generation tool that is configured for generatingweb-based assets relating to defined items of media content of interestand associating the web-based assets with media tags for storage at thenetwork platform. Using the media generation platform, users may createtheir own web-based assets for provision to user devices in response toRFI requests. For example, users may use the media generation platformto create personal or classified-type advertisements, web-based resumes,fan sites, and any number of web-based assets.

As an even further incentive, one or more of the benefiting entities,such as, for example, the MVPD, the network, an advertiser or otherasset provider, or a third-party RFI provider, may employ a rewardsprogram in which value is credited to subscribing user accounts based onthe consumption of assets, indications of interest in follow-oninformation, and ultimately, purchasing decisions made after assetsand/or follow-on information are consumed.

To improve the tailoring of requested RFI assets, once the specificasset of interest to the user is identified, one or more databases maybe consulted to construct a profile for the user. That is, in the courseof administering the RFI utility, one or more databases may bemaintained that include subscriber-provided information (e.g.,information provided by the user during the process of opting-in to theRFI program) and third-party information (e.g., asset provider mailinglists, data assembled from credit card companies, credit agencies, orcredit card transaction processing services). A privacy database mayalso be implemented to restrict personally identifiable information, orother information, from being released to asset providers (e.g.,user-specified privacy permissions, government privacy regulations, MVPDimplemented privacy policies). Using this subscriber information, userprofiles may be constructed and passed, along with an identification ofthe asset of interest, to the asset provider in an RFI request. The RFIrequest may be stripped of all personally identifiable information, oralternatively, it may include personally identifiable information inaccordance with the various privacy regimes included in the privacydatabase or in accordance with an implicit or explicit privacy policy.

In response, the asset provider may use the profile contained in the RFIrequest to prepare an augmented package of assets or follow-oninformation that is appropriately tailored for the particular user andthe particular asset of interest. Then the asset provider may return thetailored package of assets or follow-on information for delivery to theuser via any appropriate network or mode. For example, the MVPD,network, third-party RFI provider, or any other appropriate RFI systemoperator may provide the follow-on information to the user through aweb-portal that is associated with the user's RFI account and that isaccessible to the user via various computing devices including, forexample, personal computers and handheld, data-enabled devices (e.g.,smart phones) or the follow-on information may be e-mailed or evenmailed directly to the user. The web-portal may contain follow-oninformation related to RFI inputs from the user, and in addition, theweb-portal may be configured to receive information from the user and/orthird-party databases (e.g., retailers, asset providers, programmingproviders) relating to the user's consumer behavior. Alternatively, anddepending on the mandates of the various privacy regimes included in theprivacy database, the asset provider may provide the follow-oninformation directly to the user.

To close the loop concerning analysis of asset effectiveness, an RFIplatform or database may receive consumer behavior information. Consumerbehavior information may relate to purchasing decisions made by usersafter viewing an RFI enabled asset, after requesting follow-oninformation related to an RFI enabled asset, or after consuming afollow-on asset or information. MVPDs, programming networks, assetproviders, and/or RFI providers may acquire consumer behaviorinformation through many channels, including third-party databasesmaintained by credit card companies, credit agencies, or credit cardtransaction processing services, through asset providers and/orassociated vendors or retailers that are equipped to track purchasesthrough the use of loyalty numbers or member IDs associated withparticipating users' RFI accounts, through third-party consumermarketing services or affiliate program providers that monitor memberpurchases made with participating asset providers and/or retailers, orthrough direct-user reporting of transactions. Using the collected assetconsumption information and consumer behavior information, a variety ofstatistical analyses may be performed to correlate the relationshipsbetween asset consumption and consumer purchasing decisions topositively affect the way asset providers design and implement effectivemarketing programs.

The utility described above provides several benefits to broadcastnetwork users, MVPDs, programming networks, asset providers, and RFIproviders. First, the utility allows asset providers to more effectivelytarget assets to users because asset providers may craft follow-onassets and information that are tailored to particular user profiles.Second, users are able to consume content of interest (e.g., televisionor radio program, magazine articles) without interruption and consumefollow-on assets in an interactive environment at a separate time,allowing asset providers to achieve the benefits of high impact, largereach advertising as well as the opportunity to engage interested usersin an interactive mode with the potential of instantaneous transactionconsummation. Third, the utility provides a mechanism for obtainingreliable statistical feedback regarding what users are consuming theircontent, and further, what users that are requesting additionalinformation relating to their content and ultimately purchasing relatedproducts and/or services. Fourth, virtually any person, place, or thingmay be RFI enabled in a manner that is not tied to any one particulartechnology or device, making follow-on assets convenient and attractiveto a large array of asset providers as well as users.

A targeted asset delivery environment serves to further enhance the RFIutility discussed above in relation to broadcast television content. Atargeted asset delivery system allows for delivery of targeted assets todesired groups of individuals or individuals having desiredcharacteristics or audience classification parameters including personalinformation, demographic information, geographic information,psychographic information, or any other information that may be relevantto an asset provider in identifying a target audience. First, targetedasset delivery systems generally employ software resident at the userequipment device/digital set top box or another network location such asthe head end that is aware of the targeted assets selected for ordelivered to the set top. Thus, any express RFI input from a user maydirectly specify the asset to which the RFI input relates, andtherefore, the MVPD or other RFI provider need not manipulate theclick-stream data to associate a particular click with an RFI input.Second, while a user's indication of interest may be express (e.g., anRFI input), as discussed above, a targeted asset delivery systemaccommodates targeting of assets in a broadcast network with a highdegree of granularity based on different audience classifications. As aresult, the mere fact that an asset is selected for a particular usermay be considered an implied indication of interest in the products,services, or asset provider associated with the selected asset. Thus,follow-on information may be directed to the user based only on thedelivery, or delivery and consumption, of a targeted asset. Third,because many households include multiple users, targeting based onhousehold demographics alone may have limited effectiveness. In thisregard, targeted asset delivery systems include mechanisms todistinguish between multiple users of a single set top box such that anyRFI request may stipulate which of multiple users associated with theset top box has indicated interested in particular content, and in turn,any follow-on asset may be crafted for that particular user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and furtheradvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cable television network in which the presentinvention may be implemented;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first targeted advertising context of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates another targeted advertising context of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an objective of audience aggregation in the contextof FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 illustrates an asset delivery system in accordance with oneimplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an asset delivery system in accordance with a furtherimplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates the problem of multiple viewers in relation to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a request for information system in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a request for information system in an exemplaryimplementation of a digital cable television network;

FIG. 10 provides a flow chart that illustrates the functionality of anexemplary request for information system from a user's perspective;

FIG. 11 provides a flow chart that illustrates the functionality of anexemplary request for information system from the perspective of amultiple systems operator;

FIG. 12 illustrates a functional diagram of another embodiment of arequest for information system in communication with a number of userdevices and third party servers;

FIG. 13A provides a flow chart that illustrates the functionality of anexemplary request for information system from the perspective of a userdevice;

FIG. 13B provides a flow chart that illustrates the functionality of anexemplary request for information system from the perspective of anetwork platform of the request for information system;

FIG. 14A illustrates a smart phone for use in capturing a request forinformation code for submission to a request for information system;

FIG. 14B illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary centralized datanetwork platform, identified by the URL www.SnapPing.com, operated inconjunction with a request for information system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a number of exemplary request-for-information iconsfor association with content of interest;

FIG. 16 illustrates a number of additional exemplaryrequest-for-information icons for association with content of interest;

FIGS. 17A-H illustrate screenshots of a number of exemplaryrequest-for-information icons that identify a category of follow-onasset associated with an item of content;

FIG. 18 provides a screenshot of an exemplary request-for-informationicon that indicates a geographical scope of a follow-on asset associatedwith an item of content;

FIGS. 19A-B illustrate screenshots of an exemplary directory interfaceof a request-for-information application;

FIGS. 20A-E illustrate screenshots of exemplary implementations of animage-capturing mechanism of a request-for-information application;

FIGS. 21A-B illustrate screenshots of exemplary interfaces for anaudio-capturing mechanism of a request-for-information application;

FIG. 22 illustrates a screenshot of an exemplary interface for acharacter-string-capturing mechanism of a request-for-informationapplication;

FIGS. 23A-C provide screenshots of exemplary third-party landing websites providing web-based assets to user devices;

FIG. 24 provides a screenshot of an exemplary third-party landingwebsite having a link to a social media portal;

FIG. 25 provides a screenshot showing an exemplaryrequest-for-information icon indicating that an associated asset is tobe provided directly through a social media portal;

FIG. 26 provides screenshots showing an exemplary implementation of amechanism for directly receiving downloadable content in response to arequest for information from a user device;

FIG. 27 provides a screenshot illustrating an exemplary centralized datanetwork platform, identified by the URL www.SnapPing.com, providing aweb-based asset to a user device;

FIG. 28 provides a screenshot illustrating a homepage of an exemplarycentralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com for providing web-based assets to user devices;

FIG. 29 provides a screenshot illustrating a non-member interface of anexemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 30 provides a screenshot illustrating another non-member interfaceof an exemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 31 provides a screenshot illustrating a member settings interfaceof an exemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 32 provides a screenshot illustrating an account informationinterface of an exemplary centralized data network platform, identifiedby the URL www.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 33 provides a screenshot illustrating a favorites interface of anexemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 34 provides a screenshot illustrating an auto-tag interfaceassociated with a web-based asset provided to a user device;

FIG. 35 provides a screenshot illustrating a fan club interface of anexemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 36 provides a screenshot illustrating a tag-a-friend interface ofan exemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 37 provides a screenshot illustrating an email containing numerousforwarded tags associated with web-based assets for delivery to a userdevice;

FIG. 38 provides a screenshot illustrating a general directory interfaceof an exemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 39 provides a screenshot illustrating a personal directoryinterface of an exemplary centralized data network platform, identifiedby the URL www.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 40 provides a screenshot illustrating a media builder interface ofan exemplary centralized data network platform, identified by the URLwww.SnapPing.com;

FIG. 41 provides a screenshot illustrating a classified advertisement(asset) constructed using a media builder application of a request forinformation system;

FIG. 42 provides a screen shot of a personal advertisement (asset)constructed using a media builder application of a request forinformation system;

FIG. 43 illustrates a functional diagram of one embodiment of a mediabuilder application of a request for information system; and

FIG. 44 provides a functional diagram of another embodiment of a requestfor information system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to various structure and functionality fordelivery of assets in communications systems or via other advertisingmodes, as well as a system for encouraging asset consumption, verifyingasset consumption, and linking subsequent consumer behavior to suchassets and associated business methods. In implementations describedbelow, the invention relates to monitoring usage of one communicationsnetwork or otherwise receiving captured elements of media content andusing resulting information to deliver an asset to the user or anotheruser(s) via another communications network or any other delivery mode.In one particular implementation, a user receives a first asset, such asa commercial airing during a programming break or another advertisement,via a broadcast television network such as a cable television network.Based on an indication of interest, e.g., an affirmative indication viaa user input or an inference drawn from selection of the asset by atargeted advertising system, additional information is provided to theuser via e-mail, Internet advertising, phone, mail or another mode. Inother implementations, a media content element is captured from print,ambient, radio or another media source, e.g., using a camera, audiorecorder, keyboard or other user input device. The captured contentelement is associated with stored additional or follow-on informationdesired by the user and the additional information is provided by any ofthe modes noted above. This allows advertisers or other asset providersto realize the benefits of broadcast television as well as the benefitsof other modalities such as interactive information delivery via a datanetwork. While delivering additional information in an interactive datanetwork such as the Internet is a particularly advantageousimplementation, it will be appreciated that various aspects of theinvention are applicable in other contexts.

While much of the description focuses on providing follow-on informationrelating to captured elements of media content from a firstcommunications mode (e.g., broadcast television content, radio content,Internet content, newspaper content, magazine content, billboardcontent), it should be understood that the system may be applied toprovide follow-on information relating to any type or form of contentthat is capable of association with a tag that correlates storedfollow-on information with the content of interest, as discussed below.That is, a collection of follow-on information may be associated withany product or service regardless of whether the product or service isthe subject of an asset delivered via a defined communications mode. Forexample, a tag may be associated with a menu at a restaurant, a parkbench, a point-of-sale display, an article of clothing, etc. In the caseof a follow-on asset associated with a menu, for example, through thetag, a restaurant customer may receive additional information relatingto the menu, such as nutritional information for select menu itemsand/or recipes.

The following description is divided into a number of sections. TheIntroduction section describes the broadcast network and networkprogramming environments. The next section provides an overview of thetargeted asset delivery environment, including a discussion of viewerpresence and classification technologies as well as related targetedasset delivery technologies. The succeeding section provides an overviewand exemplary implementations of a request for information (RFI) systemin accordance with the present invention and highlights advantages ofcertain preferred implementations thereof. The described RFI systemincludes several components beyond the provision of follow-on assets orinformation to interested users in a separate network, includingencouraging and verifying asset consumption, acquiring consumer behaviorinformation, and correlating verified asset consumption information andconsumer behavior information to close the loop with regard to ananalysis of asset effectiveness. While applicable in other networkenvironments, these discussions make specific reference to a cabletelevision related implementation.

I. Introduction

A. Broadcast Networks

One application of the present invention is in the context of networksused to provide broadcast content, herein termed broadcast networks.Such broadcast networks generally involve synchronized distribution ofbroadcast content to multiple users. However, it will be appreciatedthat certain broadcast networks are not limited to synchronously pushingcontent to multiple users but can also be used to deliver content tospecific users, including on a user pulled basis. Examples of broadcastnetworks used to deliver content to specific users on a pulled basisinclude broadcast networks used to deliver on demand content such as VODand podcasts. Examples of broadcast networks include cable televisionnetworks, free-to-air television broadcasters using ATSC or NTSC,satellite television networks wireline TV networks, and satellite radionetworks. In addition, audio, video or other content may be broadcastacross Internet protocol and telephony networks. In any such networks,it is common practice to insert or otherwise provide informationalcontent or “assets” such as advertisements (e.g., commercials air duringprogramming breaks or product placement or other content embedded in orsuperimposed on programming) into a broadcast stream. The presentinvention provides a variety of functionality in this regard, as will bediscussed in detail below.

For purposes of illustration, the invention is described in someinstances below in the context of a cable television networkimplementation. Some major components of a cable television network 100are depicted in FIG. 1 . In the illustrated network 100, a headend 104obtains broadcast content from any of a number of sources 101-103.Additionally, broadcast content may be obtained from storage media 105such as via a video server. The illustrated sources include an antenna101, for example, for receiving content via the airwaves, a satellitedish 102 for receiving content via satellite communications, and a fiberlink 103 for receiving content directly from studios or other contentsources. It will be appreciated that the illustrated sources 101-103 and105 are provided for purposes of illustration and other sources may beutilized.

The headend 104 processes the received content for transmission tonetwork users. Among other things, the headend 104 may be operative toamplify, convert and otherwise process the broadcast content signals aswell as to combine the signals into a common cable for transmission tonetwork users 107 or the headend 104 may be operative to process thesignals to provide individual content for specific households (e.g.,household 111). The headend also processes signals from users in avariety of contexts as described below. The headend 104 may thus bethought of as the control center or local control center of the cabletelevision network 100.

Typically, there is not a direct fiber link from the headend 104 to auser equipment device such as a customer premises equipment (CPE) device108, although this is beginning to change. Rather, this connectiongenerally involves a system of feeder cables and drop cables that definea number of system subsections or branches. This distribution networkmay include a number of nodes 109. The signal may be processed at thesenodes 109 to insert localized content, filter the locally availablechannels or otherwise control the content delivered to users in the nodearea. In some cases, the nodes 109 may process content received from theheadend 104 to generate individualized content for a specific household.The resulting content within a node area is typically distributed byoptical and/or coaxial links 106 to the premises of particular users107. Finally, the content is processed by the CPE 108, which may includea television, data terminal, a digital set top box, a digital videorecorder (DVR), or other terminal equipment. It will be appreciated thatdigital or analog signals may be involved in this regard.

II. Asset Delivery Environment

A. Broadcast Network Assets

Broadcast networks, such as described in FIG. 1 , may includeasset-supported and premium content channels/networks. Such programmingcontent generally comes at a substantial cost. That is, the programmingproviders expect to be compensated for the programming that they providewhich has generally been developed or acquired at significant cost. Thatcompensation may be generated by asset delivery revenues, by fees paidby users for premium channels, or some combination of the two. In somecases, funding may come from another source such as public funding.

In the case of asset-supported networks, the conventional paradigminvolves time slot buys. Specifically, asset providers generallyidentify a particular program or time-slot on a particular network wherethey desire their assets to be aired. The cost for the airing of theasset depends on a number of factors, but primary factors are the sizeof the audience for the programming in connection with which the assetis aired and the demographic composition of the audience. Thus, thestandard pricing model is based on the cost per thousand viewers (CPM),where the desired demographics of those viewers may be specified. Thesize of the audience is generally determined based on ratings. The mostcommon benchmark for establishing these ratings is the system of NielsenMedia Research Corporation (Nielsen). One technique used by Nielseninvolves monitoring the viewing habits of a presumably statisticallyrelevant sampling of the universe of users. Based on an analysis of thesample group, the Nielsen system can estimate what portion of theaudience particular programs received and, from this, an estimatedaudience size for the program can be projected. More specifically,ratings may be generated for each network for each quarter hour segment.The presumption is then made that users for a program (corresponding toa quarter hour segment of a network) also consume the assets for thatprogram. Thus, the historical performance of the particular program, forexample, as estimated by the Nielsen system, may be used to set assetdelivery prices for future time slots or “breaks” associated with thatprogram.

Generally, a break may include a series of asset delivery spots and thecontent of a break may be determined by a number of entities. Forexample, some asset delivery is distributed on a basis coextensive withnetwork programming, e.g., on a national basis. This asset delivery isconventionally scheduled based on a timed play list. That is, theinsertion of content is centrally controlled to insert assets at definedtimes. Accordingly, the programming and national asset delivery may beprovided by the programming networks as a continuous content streamwithout cues for asset insertion. For example, prime-time programming onthe major networks is often principally provided in this fashion.

In other cases, individual spots within a break are allocated forRegional Operations Center (ROC), affiliate, super headend or local(headend, zone) content. In these cases, a cue tone or messageidentifies the start of the asset delivery spot or spots (a series ofassets in a break may all trigger from one cue). The cue generallyoccurs a few seconds before the start of the asset delivery insertionopportunity and may occur, for example, during programming or during thebreak (e.g., during a national ad). The RFI system of the presentinvention, as will be more fully discussed herein, can coordinate withequipment at any or all levels of this hierarchy to allow for trackingwith respect to national, regional and local entities.

Network operators or local network affiliates can generally schedule thenon-national assets to be included within defined breaks or spots foreach ad-supported channel. Conventionally, this scheduling is finalizedahead of time, typically on a daily or longer basis. The scheduledassets for a given break are then normally inserted at the headend inresponse to the cue tone or message in the programming stream.Typically, all assets within a break trigger from a single cue tone ormessage. Thus, for example, where a given break includes three spots,the scheduled asset for the first spot is inserted at a first timeperiod after the cue, the scheduled asset for the second spot isinserted at a second time period after the cue, and the scheduled assetfor the third spot is inserted at a third time period after the cue.Accordingly, prior to broadcast, the identities of the providers of theassets (e.g., national, regional and/or local) that will be providedwith programming are known. Therefore, if a user provides an input withrespect to an ad spot in the programming, it may be determined whichentity's ad was played, based on the time of the spot relative to theprogramming and/or by identifying metadata associated with the asset, aswill be more fully discussed herein.

As noted, network users employ the network, and content providers andnetwork operators derive revenue, based on delivery of desirable contentor programming. The stakeholders in this regard include programmingproviders, asset providers such as advertisers (who may be the same asor different than the programming providers), network operators such asMultichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs), and users-orviewers in the case of television networks. Programming providersinclude, for example: networks who provide series and other programming,including on a national or international basis; local affiliates whooften provide local or regional programming; studios who create andmarket content including movies, documentaries and the like; and avariety of other content owners or providers.

Asset providers include a wide variety of manufacturers, retailers,service providers and public interest groups interested in, andgenerally willing to pay for, the opportunity to deliver messages tousers on a local, regional, national or international level. Such assetsinclude: conventional advertisements; tag content such as ad tags (whichmay include static graphic overlays, animated graphics files or evenreal-time video and audio) associated with the advertisements or othercontent; banners or other content superimposed on or otherwiseoverlapping programming; product placement; and other advertisingmechanisms. Network operators (e.g., MVPDs) are generally responsiblefor delivering content to users and otherwise operating the networks aswell as for contracting with the networks and asset providers and forbilling. Users are the end consumers of the content. Users may employ avariety of types of CPEs or other user equipment devices includingtelevision set top boxes, iPOD™ devices, data terminals, wirelessdevices, satellite delivered video or audio to an automobile and/orappliances with built-in televisions, etc.

As will be discussed in more detail below, one implementation of thepresent invention involves providing a platform for receiving signalsfrom user equipment devices associated with a cable television network.Based on these signals, the platform identifies an asset of the cabletelevision network that was of interest to a particular user. Theplatform can then make associated information available to that user(or, optionally, one or more other identified users, e.g., on a“friends” list) via another network. For example, an e-mail may be sentto a stored e-mail address of the user. That e-mail may includeadditional information about a product of the identified asset ofinterest and/or a link to a web page having such information.

From the discussion above, it will be appreciated that the signals maybe received from a variety of different types of user equipment devices.In this regard, the signals may be based on user inputs such as byentering a designated key of a remote control, phone, PDA, etc.Alternatively or additionally, as will be understood from thedescription below, the indication of interest may be obtained at leastin part from a targeted asset system. Such a system may be operative toidentify a user or users currently present at the user equipment device.Such information may be used in conjunction with a user input as notedabove to associate the indication of interest with a particular user orusers so that a follow-on asset can be appropriately delivered. Ofcourse, the user or users could provide an input identifying themselvesbut this would render the system more intrusive and might interfere tosome extent with the objective of allowing television viewers to retaina substantially passive viewing experience. Moreover, because certaintargeted asset systems can identify classification parameters of viewerswith a high degree of accuracy and granularity, selection of an asset bysuch a system may be tantamount to a positive indication of interest(though such selection may be based on desires of an asset provider andnot necessarily correspond to desires of a user). Accordingly, thesignal transmitted to the platform may be based on a selection by atargeted advertising system rather than a user input. For example, usersmay opt-in to the targeted asset system in general and may furtherselect a setting that allows asset selections (or certain assetselections) to be used in providing follow-on information or contacts.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the platform may utilize inputsfrom a variety of sources to properly associate the indication ofinterest with an asset. As noted above, some commercial spots may benational while others are local. Moreover, channel selections andcontent may be configured locally by node equipment, DSLAMs and othernetwork platforms. In addition, a targeted asset system may utilizededicated asset delivery channels or retrieve assets from user equipmentdevice storage. Also, assets may be embedded in or superimposed onprogramming as noted above. Accordingly, a database may be compiledusing information from content providers, programming networks, networkproviders, network equipment, targeted asset systems and the like toidentify assets on different channels/bandwidth segments at differenttimes. Alternatively, indications of interest may include assetidentifiers.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a targeted asset systemmay interact with an RFI platform in a variety of ways. An exemplarytargeted advertising system is described below. Such a system isdescribed more detail in published U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/331,835, entitled “Content Selection Based on Signaling from CustomerPremises Equipment in a Broadcast Network,” and filed on Jan. 12, 2006,which is incorporated herein by reference.

B. The Targeted Asset Delivery Environment

The RFI subject matter of the present invention can be used in a varietyof both traditional and targeted asset delivery systems. Someembodiments described below allow for delivery of targeted assets suchas advertising so as to address certain shortcomings or inefficienciesof conventional broadcast networks. Generally, such targeting entailsdelivering assets to desired groups of individuals or individuals havingdesired characteristics. These characteristics or audienceclassification parameters may be defined based on personal information,demographic information, psychographic information, geographicinformation, or any other information that may be relevant to an assetprovider in identifying a target audience. Preferably, such targeting isprogram independent in recognition that programming is a highlyimperfect mechanism for targeting of assets. For example, even if useranalysis indicates that a particular program has an audience comprisedsixty percent of women, and women comprise the target audience for aparticular asset, airing on that program will result in a forty percentmismatch. That is, forty percent of the users potentially reached maynot be of interest to the asset provider and pricing may be based onlyon sixty percent of the total audience. Moreover, ideally, targetedasset delivery would allow for targeting with a range of granularitiesincluding very fine granularities. For example, it may be desired totarget a group, such as based on a geographical grouping, a householdcharacterization or even an individual user characterization. Thepresent invention accommodates program independent targeting, targetingwith a high degree of granularity and targeting based on a variety ofdifferent audience classifications.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two different contexts of targeted assetdelivery supported in accordance with the present invention.Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates the delivery of different assets, inthis case ads, to different users watching the same programming channel,which may be referred to as spot optimization. As shown, three differentusers 200-202 are depicted as watching the same programming, in thiscase, denoted “Movie of the Week.” At a given break 204, the users200-202 each receive a different asset package. Specifically, user 200receives a digital music player ad and a movie promo, user 201 receivesa luxury car ad and a health insurance ad, and user 202 receives aminivan ad and a department store ad. Alternately, a single assetprovider (e.g., a motor vehicle company) may purchase a spot and thenprovide different asset options for the spot (e.g., sports car,minivans, pickup trucks, etc.). Similarly, separate advertisers maycollectively purchase a spot and then provide ads for their respectiveproducts (e.g., where the target audiences of the advertisers arecomplementary). It will be appreciated that these different assetpackages may be targeted to different audience demographics. In thismanner, assets are better tailored to particular viewers of a givenprogram who may fall into different demographic groups. Thus, spotoptimization refers to the delivery of different assets (by one ormultiple asset providers) in a given spot.

FIG. 3 illustrates a different context of the present invention, whichmay be termed audience aggregation. In this case, three different users300-302 viewing different programs associated with different channelsmay receive the same asset or asset package. In this case, each of theusers 300-302 receives a package including a digital music player ad anda movie promo in connection with breaks associated with their respectivechannels. Though the users 300-302 are shown as receiving the same assetpackage for purposes of illustration, it is likely that different userswill receive different combinations of assets due to differences inclassification parameters. In this manner, users over multiple channels(some or all users of each channel) can be aggregated (relative to agiven asset and time window) to define a virtual channel havingsignificant user numbers matching a targeted audience classification.Among other things, such audience aggregation allows for the possibilityof aggregating users over a number of low share channels to define asignificant asset delivery opportunity, perhaps on the order of thatassociated with one of the high share networks. This can beaccomplished, in accordance with the present invention, using equipmentalready at a user's premises (i.e., an existing CPE). Such a virtualchannel is graphically illustrated in FIG. 4 , though this illustrationis not based on actual numbers. Thus, audience aggregation refers to thedelivery of the same asset in different spots to define an aggregatedaudience. These different spots may occur within a time windowcorresponding to overlapping (conflicting) programs on differentchannels. In this manner, it is likely that these spots, even if atdifferent times within the window, will not be received by the sameusers.

Such targeting including both spot optimization and audience aggregationcan be implemented using a variety of architectures in accordance withthe present invention. Thus, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 ,targeted asset insertion can be implemented at the CPEs. This mayinvolve a forward-and-store functionality. As illustrated in FIG. 5 ,the CPE 500 receives a programming stream 502 and an asset deliverystream 504 from the headend 508. These streams 502 and 504 may beprovided via a common signal link such as a coaxial cable or viaseparate communications links. For example, the asset delivery stream504 may be transmitted to the CPE 500 via a designated segment, e.g., adedicated frequency range, of the available bandwidth or via aprogramming channel that is opportunistically available for assetdelivery, e.g., when it is otherwise off air. The asset delivery stream504 may be provided on a continuous or intermittent basis and may beprovided concurrently with the programming stream 502. In theillustrated example, a program-decoding unit, such as a digital set topbox, processes the programming stream 502, and programming is displayedon television set 514. Alternatively, the programming stream 502 may bestored in programming storage 515 for CPE insertion.

In the illustrated implementation, the asset, together with metadataidentifying, for example, any audience classification parameters of thetargeted audience, is stored in a designated storage space 506 of theCPE 500. It will be appreciated that substantial storage at the CPE 500may be required in this regard. For example, such storage may beavailable in connection with certain DVR units. A selector 510 isimplemented as a processor running logic on the CPE 500. The selector510 functions analogously to the headend selector described above toidentify breaks 516 and insert appropriate assets. In this case, theassets may be selected based on classification parameters of thehousehold or, more preferably, a user within the household. Suchinformation may be stored at the CPE 500 or may be determined based onan analysis of viewing habits such as a click stream from a remotecontrol as will be described in more detail below. Certain aspects ofthe present invention can be implemented in such a CPE insertionenvironment.

In FIG. 6 , a different architecture is employed. Specifically, in FIG.6 , asset options transmitted from headend 610 synchronously with agiven break on a given channel for which targeted asset options aresupported. The CPE 600 includes a channel selector 602, which isoperative to switch to an asset channel associated with a desired assetat the beginning of a break and to return to the programming channel atthe end of the break. The channel selector 602 may hop between channels(between asset channels or between an asset channel and the programmingchannel) during a break to select the most appropriate assets. In thisregard, logic resident on the CPE 600 controls such hopping to avoidswitching to a channel where an asset is already in progress. Asdescribed below, this logic can be readily implemented, as the scheduleof assets on each asset channel is known. Preferably, all of this isimplemented invisibly from the perspective of the user of set 604. Thedifferent options may be provided, at least in part, in connection withasset channels 606 or other bandwidth segments (separate fromprogramming channels 608) dedicated for use in providing such options.In addition, certain asset options may be inserted into the currentprogramming channel 608. Associated functionality is described in detailbelow. The architecture of FIG. 6 has the advantage of not requiringsubstantial storage resources at the CPE 600 such that it can beimmediately implemented on a wide scale basis using equipment that isalready in the field.

As a further alternative, the determination of which asset to show maybe made at the headend. For example, an asset may be selected based onvoting as described below, and inserted at the headend into theprogramming channel without options on other asset channels. This wouldachieve a degree of targeting but without spot optimizationopportunities as described above. Still further, options may be providedon other asset channels, but the selection as between those channels maybe determined by the headend. For example, information about a householdor user (e.g., brand of car owned, magazines subscribed to, etc.) storedon the headend may be used to match an asset to a household or user.That information, which may be termed “marketing labels,” may be used bythe headend to control which asset is selected by the CPE. For example,the CPE may be instructed that it is associated with an “ACME preferred”customer. When an asset is disseminated with ACME preferred metadata,the CPE may be caused to select that asset, thereby overriding (orsignificantly factoring with) any other audience classificationconsiderations. However, it will be appreciated that such operation mayentail certain concerns relating to sensitive information or maycompromise audience classification based targeting in other respects.

Much of the discussion above has referenced audience classificationparameters as relating to individuals as opposed to households. FIG. 7illustrates a theoretical example of a CPE including a television set1100 and a digital set top box 1102 that are associated with multipleusers 1103-1106. Arrow 1107 represents a user input stream, such as aclick stream from a remote control, over time. A first user 1105, inthis case a child, uses the television 1100 during a first timeperiod—for example, in the morning. Second and third users 1103 and 1104(designated “father” and “mother”) use the television during timeperiods 1109 and 1110, which may be, for example, in the afternoon orevening. A babysitter 1106 uses the television during a nighttime periodin this example.

This illustrates a number of challenges related to targeted assetdelivery. First, because there are multiple users 1103-1106, targetingbased on household demographics would have limited effectiveness. Forexample, it may be assumed that the child 1105 and father 1103 in manycases would not be targeted by the same asset providers. Moreover, insome cases, multiple users may watch the same television at the sametime as indicated by the overlap of time periods 1109-1110. In addition,in some cases such as illustrated by the babysitter 1106 an unexpecteduser (from the perspective of the targeted asset system) may use thetelevision 1100.

These noted difficulties are associated with a number of objectives thatare preferably addressed by the targeted asset system. First, the systemshould preferably be operative to distinguish between multiple users ofa single set and, in the context of the system described above, vote andreport to the network accordingly. Second, the system should preferablyreact over time to changing conditions such as the transitions from useby father 1103 to use by both father and mother 1103 and 1104 to use byonly mother 1104. The system should also preferably have some ability tocharacterize unexpected users such as the babysitter 1106. In that case,the system may have no other information to go on other than the clickstream 1107. The system may also identify time periods where,apparently, no user is present, though the set 1100 may still be on.Preferably, the system also operates free from persistent storage of anyuser profile or sensitive information so that no third party has ameaningful opportunity to misappropriate such information or discoverthe private network usage patterns of any of the users 1103-1106 via thetargeted asset system. Privacy concerns can alternatively be addressedby obtaining consent from users. In this matter, sensitive informationincluding personally identifiable information, or PII, can betransmitted across the network and persistently stored for use intargeting. This may allow for compiling a detailed user profile, e.g.,at the headend. Assets can then be selected based on the user profileand, in certain implementations, addressed to specific CPEs.

In certain implementations, the present invention monitors the clickstream over a time window and applies a mathematical model to match apattern defined by the click stream to predefined audienceclassification parameters that may relate to demographic orpsychographic categories. It will be appreciated that the click streamwill indicate programs selected by users, volume and other informationthat may have some correlation, at least in a statistical sense, to theclassification parameters. In addition, factors such as the frequency ofchannel changes and the length of time that the user lingers on aparticular asset may be relevant to determining a value of an audienceclassification parameter. The system can also identify instances wherethere is apparently no user present.

In a first implementation, as is described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/743,544, entitled “Fuzzy Logic Based Viewer Identificationfor Targeted Asset Delivery System,” filed May 2, 2007, which isincorporated herein by reference, logic associated with the CPE 1101uses probabilistic modeling, fuzzy logic and/or machine learning toprogressively estimate the audience classification parameter values of acurrent user or users based on the click stream 1107. This process mayoptionally be supplemental based on stored information (preferably freeof sensitive information) concerning the household that may, forexample, affect probabilities associated with particular inputs. In thismanner, each user input event (which involves one or more items ofchange of status and/or duration information) can be used to update acurrent estimate of the audience classification parameters based onassociated probability values. The fuzzy logic may involve fuzzy datasets and probabilistic algorithms that accommodate estimations based oninputs of varying and limited predictive value.

In a second implementation, as is described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/994,078, entitled “Method and Apparatus to Perform Real-TimeAudience Estimation and Commercial Selection Suitable for TargetedAdvertising,” filed Nov. 21, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference, the audience is modeled as an incomplete or noisy signal thatcan be processed to obtain audience classification parameterinformation. More specifically, a series of clicks over time orassociated information provides observations reflecting the audience.The audience is the desired signal. However, the signal is assumed to beincomplete or noisy—a common problem in signal processing. Accordingly,filtering techniques are employed to estimate the “true” signal from theinput stream and associated algorithms correlate that signal to thedesired audience classification information. For example, a nonlinearadaptive filter may be used in this regard.

The targeted advertising system provides a variety of information thatcan be used in directing follow-on information to network users. Thisincludes information identifying the user as well as classificationparameter information. Systems for using such information to deliverfollow-on information will now be described.

III. RFI System Overview and Exemplary Applications

A Follow-on Information Request and Delivery

FIG. 12 shows a functional diagram of an exemplary application of an RFIsystem 3000 for use in providing follow-on content in relation tovarious media and non-media items of content of interest. The RFI system3000 may be employed in the context of a broadcast network environmentsuch as the targeted asset delivery environment discussed above or itmay be implemented in a manner that is independent of a broadcastnetwork. As a result, the RFI system 3000 may support multiple forms ofmedia content such as print assets (e.g., newspaper articles oradvertisements, magazine articles or assets), billboard assets, radioassets (programming or advertisements), television assets (programmingor advertisements) provided via broadcast network programming and/orInternet video such as that provided on YouTube®, Netflix®, Hulu™ orwith Video-on-Demand (VOD) services, and more. The RFI enabled orsupported content may also include non-media content encompassingliterally any type of content or item (e.g., any person, place, orthing). For instance, beyond elements of media content such astelevision and radio programming, print articles, advertisements,billboards, and so on, supported non-media content may include, to namea few, individuals, businesses, buildings and/or monuments, works ofart, electronic items, all types of commercial products and/or servicesand related packaging, marketing materials, and/or point of saledisplays, and more.

Further, these types of media and non-media content may or may not bespecially adapted for use with the RFI system 3000.

Specifically, FIG. 12 shows examples of numerous different types ofinternet-enabled user devices 3002 _(1-n) that may be used to submit anRFI request, or to capture a code 3004 that identifies an item ofcontent about which the user is interested in obtaining more informationand transmit that code 3004 to a network platform 3008. The user device3002 _(1-n) may include, for example, a laptop or desktop computer, atablet computer, an internet-enabled mobile phone/smart phone, and soon. In addition, the code 3004 captured by the user device 3002 _(1-n)may be any type of content identifier. In some instances, the code 3004may be an alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric character string that hasbeen associated with the content of interest. In other instances, thecode may be a barcode, a quick response code (QR code), an audio orvideo snippet of media content (e.g., a recording of a radio show, avideo of a live sporting event), a voice recording, or a still image ofany person, place, or thing.

The user device 3002 _(1-n) may enable an RFI application such as asoftware application (e.g., a smart phone application) that runs on thedevice 3002 _(1-n). The RFI application facilitates RFI requests in thatit allows the user device 3002 _(1-n) to capture the code 3004 relatingto the content of interest in a variety of different ways. In thisregard, the RFI application may include one or more informationgathering mechanisms that enable the user to capture the various typesof identifying codes 3004. For example, the user device 3002 _(1-n), maycapture a digital image of televised media content of interest playingon a television 3006 ₁. In other examples, the user device 3002 _(1-n)may capture a digital image of media content appearing in a newspaper3006 ₄, a magazine 3006 ₅, or on a billboard 3006 ₃. The RFI applicationmay also enable the user device 3002 _(1-n) to capture an audiorecording of the user's voice describing the content of interest,reciting an alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric character stringassociated with the content of interest or to record an audio snippet ofmedia content playing on a radio 3006 ₂, the television 3006 ₁, or on anInternet webpage 3006 ₆. The RFI application may also include a bar codereader or similar mechanism for deciphering barcodes, QR codes, UPCcodes, and the like. The user may also manually enter an alphabetic,numeric, or alphanumeric character string using a keyboard or other userinterface. Using the information gathering mechanisms available throughthe RFI application, the user device 3002 _(1-n) may be implemented tocapture a code 3004 that relates to literally any person 3006 ₇, place3006 ₈, or thing 3006 _(n) of interest to the user.

Once captured, the user device 3002 _(1-n) may transfer or transmit thecode 3004 to a code processing module 3010 of a network platform 3008.This transmittal may be an electronic transmittal facilitated by the RFIapplication, an email, a text message, or any other appropriate form ofelectronic transfer. Moreover, the code 3004 may be forwarded to thenetwork platform 3008 via various modalities. Some of these modalitiesinclude a communication structure of a cable television network, a datanetwork, a telephone network, or any other modality by which thecaptured code 3004 may be directly or indirectly communicated to the RFIsystem 3000.

A code processing module 3010 of the network platform 3008 may employ avariety of processing algorithms and/or logic to process the code 3004received from the user device 3002 _(1-n). For example, the codeprocessing module 3010 may include mechanisms for processing recordedaudio or video snippets, captured images, and transmitted alphabetic,numeric, and/or alphanumeric character strings, barcodes, QR codes, andso on. In one example, the code processing module 3010 may analyze anaudio snippet recorded from a radio talk show to identify the title ofthe show recorded and the timing of the recorded snippet. In anotherexample, the code processing module 3010 may analyze an image capturedof a user's television to identify the television program showing at thetime of the image and the timing of the captured image.

The processing algorithms of the code processing module 3010 may alsorefer to ancillary information sent from the user device 3002 _(1-n)along with the code 3004. Such ancillary information may include, forinstance, a date, time, and channel or station upon which the content ofinterest 3006 _(1-n) was captured or a GPS location of the user device3002 _(1-n) at the time the content of interest was captured. In thecase of an RFI system implemented in conjunction with a targetedadvertising system, demographic information may be provided from theuser device or from another location such as a database of the networkprovider, subject to privacy rules as discussed below.

A matching and routing module 3012 of the network platform 3008 mayfunction in cooperation with the code processing module 3010 and mayinclude any appropriate processing logic needed to match the code 3004against a library of media tags 3014 stored within a memory structure3016 of the network platform 3008. This matching process results in theidentification of at least one stored media tag 3014, which may includeinstructions for providing an associated web-based asset 3018 to therequesting user device 3002 _(1-n) (or another user device 3002 _(1-n))based upon the location of the of the associated web-based asset 3018.The tag 3014 identified via the matching process may also indicate thatthe asset 3018 associated with the tag 3014, and thus the code 3004, hasexpired or otherwise become invalid. In this case, the user may receivea message rejecting the RFI request and, in one embodiment, providingsuggestions regarding the retrieval of additional and/or later-datedassets 3018.

The web-based asset 3018 may include any information that may beprovided to the user, via the user device 3002 _(1-n) or otherwise, inresponse to the RFI request (submission of the code 3004). For example,the web-based asset may include or implement coupons or other financialincentives, product and/or service information, websites/purchaseinterfaces, web-based contests, web-based polling or voting, or anyother information related to the content of interest 3006 _(1-n).

The associated web-based asset 3018 may be stored in numerous accessiblememory structures. For example, the associated web-based asset 3018 maybe stored (1) within the memory structure 3016 of the network platform3008, (2) at a network server 3022 that is operated in conjunction withthe network platform 3008 and configured to host a centralized mediaportal 3024 for accessing web-based assets 3018, or (3) at a third-partyserver 3020 that is in communication with the network platform 3008 andconfigured to host a stand-alone, third-party landing website 3026.

These asset storage options allow producers of web-based assets 3018 tostore and host their own assets 3018 and separately provide them to theuser devices 3002 _(1-n) upon request. They also allow producers ofweb-based assets 3018 to take advantage of a centralized storage andaccess system that is maintained by the RFI system operator. Forexample, a producer of a web-based asset 3018 may store and host itsweb-based assets 3018 independently or it may store its assets 3018within the RFI system 3000 such that the network server 3022 hosts theassets 3018 and makes the assets 3018 accessible to user devices throughthe centralized media portal 3024. Similar to the mechanisms availablefor forwarding the code 3004 to the network platform 3008, discussedabove, any appropriate modality may be utilized to deliver theassociated web-based asset 3018 to the user device 3002 _(1-n).

To accommodate this variety of options for storing the web-based assets3018, the stored media tag 3014 that matches the code 3004 submitted bythe user device 3002 _(1-n) may include instructions for variouscomponents of the RFI system 3000 regarding the provision of theassociated/requested web-based asset 3018 to the client device 3002_(1-n). For instance, if the web-based asset 3018 has been stored in thememory 3016 of the network platform 3008 or at the network server 3022operated in conjunction with the network platform 3008, the matchingstored media tag 3014 may provide instructions for the matching androuting module 3012 to direct the client device 3002 _(1-n) to thecentralized media portal 3024 hosted by the network server 3022. Thenetwork platform 3008 and network server 3022 may reside on a singlemachine or multiple machines and may be co-located or geographicallydistributed. Alternatively, if the web-based asset 3018 has been storedin the third party server 3020, the matching stored media tag 3014 mayprovide instructions for the matching and routing module 3012 to directthe client device 3002 _(1-n) to the landing web site 3026 hosted by thethird-party server.

In addition to mechanisms for receiving RFI requests and providing theweb-based assets 3018 to the user devices 3002 _(1-n), one embodiment ofthe RFI system 3000 may include a media generation platform 3028. Themedia-generation platform 3028 may be operated in conjunction with thenetwork platform 3008 and may be communicatively coupled with any of thecomponents of the RFI system 3000 and/or the third-party server 3020.More specifically, the media-generation platform 3028 may include anyappropriate logic and/or software tools to enable a user to produce aweb-based asset 3018 and associate the asset with a media tag 3014 forstorage within the memory 3016 of the network platform 3008. In thisregard, the centralized media portal 3024 may include a user interfacethrough which a user at any one of the user devices 3002 _(1-n) mayinteract with the media-generation platform 3028 in generating mediaassets 3018. The functionality of the media-generation platform 3028will be detailed further below.

FIG. 13A shows a flow chart 4000 that illustrates the functionality ofthe RFI system 3000 from the user's perspective. Initially, an RFIapplication running on the user device 3002 _(1-n) may be used tocapture the code 3004 relating to the item of content of interest 3006_(1-n) in which the user is interested (4002). As discussed above, theitem of content of interest 3006 _(1-n) may be any media or non-mediacontent that is of interest to the user and that has been associatedwith a stored media tag 3014 on the network platform 3008. Further, theRFI application may enable numerous mechanisms for capturing theidentifying code 3004 relating to the item of content of interest 3006_(1-n), including capturing a voice recording, capturing an audio orvideo snippet reflecting a portion of the content of interest, capturingan image of the content of interest or of a character string that hasbeen associated with the content of interest, or capturing a typed orspoken character string that has been associated with the content ofinterest.

Next, the user device 3002 _(1-n) may transfer the code 3004 to the codeprocessing module 3010 of the network platform 3008 as an RFI request(4004). In this embodiment, after the network platform 3008 processesthe code 3004 and matches it against the library of stored media tags3014, the user device accesses the corresponding asset 3018 in a mannerprovided by the selected media tag 3014 (4006).

FIG. 13B shows a flow chart 4008 that illustrates the functionality ofthe RFI system 3000 from the perspective of the network platform 3008.Initially, the code processing module 3010 of the network platform 3008receives the transmitted code 3004 from the user device 3002_(1-n)(4010). Upon receipt, the code processing module 3010 maydetermine whether the code 3004 requires analysis or deciphering priorto being matched against the library of stored media tags 3014 (4012).If the code 3004 requires processing (e.g., voice or video recognitionsoftware is needed to interpret the code 3004), the code processingmodule 3010 may apply code processing logic to decipher the code 3004(4014). If the code 3004 is clear without analysis or if code processingis complete, the matching and routing module 3012 may compare the code3004 to the stored media tags 3014 within the memory structure 3016 ofthe network platform 3016 (4016) to identify a corresponding one of themedia tags 3014 (4018).

The corresponding media tag 3014 may include instructions regarding theprovision of the web-based asset 3018 associated with the correspondingmedia tag 3014 to the user device 3002 _(1-n). Thus, the matching androuting module 3012 or any other appropriate processing module of thenetwork platform 3008 may process the corresponding stored media tag3014 (4020), and based upon the instructions provided in thecorresponding media tag 3014, the matching and routing module 3012 ofthe network platform 3008 may cause the associated web-based asset 3018to be provided to the user device 3002 _(1-n). That is, in thisembodiment, it is first determined whether the associated asset 3018resides on the RFI system 3000 (e.g., on the network platform 3008 orthe network server 3022) or whether the associated asset is stored on athird-party server 3020 (4022). If the associated asset is stored withinthe RFI system 3000, the matching and routing module 3012 may direct theuser device 3002 _(1-n) to access the asset 3018 through the centralizedmedia portal 3024 hosted by the network server 3022 (4024). If, on theother hand, the asset 3018 is stored at one of the third-party servers3020, the matching and routing module 3012 may direct the client deviceto the landing website 3026 hosted by the third party server to accessweb-based asset 3018 (4026).

It will thus be appreciated that one or more networks and user devicesmay be involved in the RFI request and/or delivery of the asset 3018 tothe user. The following discussion details a series of screenshotsdemonstrating an exemplary implementation in which a data terminal suchas a data-enabled telephone or PDA is used in capturing a codeidentifying a defined item of content of interest that has beenassociated with a media tag and a web-based asset, transmitting thecode/identifier to an RFI system, and/or receiving additionalinformation or the web-based asset responsive to the RFI request. Thisis a convenient implementation as such terminals often includefunctionality for capturing content and communicating content to anetwork platform, and include on-board resources that can be programmedto execute an application for implementing the RFI functionality.However, it should be appreciated that any of this functionality may bedistributed between multiple devices. Thus, for example, a digital imageor audio recording may be captured on a first device and an associatedfile may be uploaded to a separate data terminal for emailing orotherwise electronically transmitting the file to the RFI system.Moreover, a smart phone, PDA, or cable television box may be used tosubmit an RFI request, and a computer or other data terminal may be usedto retrieve or review the additional information. Thus, the followingdescription should be understood as exemplifying one implementation ofthe invention and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 14A illustrates a smart phone 1500 that may be utilized incapturing a content identifier, or an RFI code, transmitting the code toan RFI system, and/or receiving additional information or a notificationregarding additional information in accordance with the presentinvention. The illustrated smart phone 1500 includes a processor forrunning an RFI application to execute the noted functionality. The smartphone 1500 further includes a user interface 1502 for displayinggraphics and receiving inputs from a user. In the illustratedembodiment, the user interface 1502 includes a touch screen, but it willbe appreciated that another user interface element such as a videoterminal, mouse, voice recognition logic, or the like may be employed.In FIG. 14A, the user interface 1502 displays a splash screen associatedwith an exemplary RFI application denoted SnapPing™. This applicationmay be associated with one or more centralized data network platforms1504 identified by the URL www.snapping.com, shown in FIG. 14B. Such anRFI system may be hosted and/or operated by, for example, an MVPD, acontent provider, a conventional television network broadcaster, anadvertising aggregator, a targeted advertising company, or a dedicatedRFI service provider.

The RFI application may be activated in any variety of ways. Forexample, the user may click (touch) on an RFI icon on the smart phoneuser interface. Alternatively, the RFI application may bevoice-activated. As a further alternative, the RFI application may beinitiated automatically upon sensing an RFI identifier or code. Uponactivation of the RFI application, the user may be presented with ascreen, such as shown in FIG. 14A, providing the user with a number ofopportunities to initiate an RFI request. In the illustrated example,the user is prompted to enter, via a touch screen, a selection of anoption from “take a picture,” “record audio,” “directory,” “enter code,”and “my SnapTags.” The options may also include other desired options.For example, the options may include a “buy now” option to initiate aninstant-purchasing function of the RFI application.

Thus, if the user selects the “take a picture” graphical object (asdiscussed in more detail below), the user may be prompted to capture anidentifying code using a digital camera associated with the smart phone.A user might select this option in order to take a picture of atelevision screen, a billboard, print media, or another item of contentthat can be captured using a camera.

The user may select the “record audio” graphical object to capture acontent identifier, or code, via an audio recording. In one example,this option may be selected to capture audio from a radio or an audiotrack from television. The “record audio” option may also encompassvoice-recordation functionality, which may be implemented in a varietyof ways. For example, the user may enter a tag identifier or code byreading a portion of print media, describing the content of interest(e.g., “billboard at mile marker 27 of Highway X”), or reciting acharacter string that identifies the content (e.g., “bmw325im”).

The “directory” option allows the user to request specific assets from adirectory. For example, if the user enters the “view directory” option,the user may then be able to search for and select commercials, productinformation, coupons, general information, or any other additionalinformation that is available in the directory. Such information may besearched using a variety of tools including keyword searches, locationsearches, channel, station, or other media identifiers, time, or anyother search modality.

The user may select an “enter code” option in order to enter an RFI codeor identifier via a keyboard, touch screen, or the like. As noted above,such codes may be provided in connection with the elements of contentand may include any appropriate identifiers such as alphabetic, numeric,or alphanumeric character strings, one-dimensional or two-dimensionalbar codes, QR codes, or UPC codes.

While not illustrated in FIG. 14A, an optional “buy now” option may beselected where the user desires to consummate a transaction and notmerely receive additional information. Thus, for example, if the userselects the “buy now” option, the user may be prompted to enter a codeor the application may automatically detect the subject matter ofinterest. The user may then be provided an option to electronicallycomplete a transaction regarding the subject matter of interest. Thus,for example, if an RFI character string is displayed in connection witha commercial, the user may enter the “buy now” option. The user may thenbe prompted to enter the character string. Upon entering the RFIcharacter string, the user may be provided with a “buy now” interface toconsummate the transaction. This may be executed at an e-commerce portalof the provider of the product or service, by the RFI system acting asan e-commerce portal on behalf of affiliates, or at a separatee-commerce portal. Alternatively, the transaction may be consummated byother mechanisms such as a telephone connection to an operator. In anycase, the user may be prompted to enter credit card or other financialinformation to execute the transaction, or such information may besecurely retrieved from the RFI system.

As noted above, an RFI tag and corresponding asset may be associatedwith any type of content. To alert users that an element of content isassociated with a tag, an icon representing the tag may be affixed to orassociated with the content itself. Such an icon may take any suitableform. It is desirable that the icons have a standardized format in orderto enhance recognition of the icon by consumers. FIGS. 15-16, 17A-H, and18 show numerous exemplary icons. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows an icon1506 that includes an alphabetic character string 1514 that may serve asthe code submitted to an RFI system when making an RFI request. Here,the character string 1514 states “nbcover”. FIG. 15 also shows an icon1508, which includes the character string 1514 as well as a SnapPing™logo 1516. The SnapPing™ logo 1516 expressly indicates to users that anRFI tag and a corresponding asset have been associated with the content.Another icon 1510 includes the character string 1514 as well as athird-party branding panel 1518 that identifies a brand associated withthe content and any associated tag and asset. The branding panel 1518may correspond to a provider or entity associated with the content beingcaptured and/or an entity from whom additional information/an asset isrequested. Here, the branding panel 1518 incorporates an NBC trademark.FIG. 15 also shows an icon 1512, which includes the character string1514 as well as the branding panel 1518 overlaid upon the SnapPing™ logo1516.

FIG. 16 shows several additional exemplary RFI icons 1520-1538 havingadditional combinations of the character string 1514 (i.e., “bmw325im”),the SnapPing™ logo 1516, and the branding panel 1518 (showing a BMWtrademark). In addition, the RFI icons 1522, 1524, 1532, 1534, and 1536incorporate a barcode 1540 or a QR code 1542, demonstrating that the RFIicon may include one or more identifiers selected from characterstrings, bar codes, UPC codes, or any other information that associatesthe item of content containing the icon with its corresponding tag andasset, or stored follow-on information.

In this implementation, the asset provided with a tag may include anytype of electronic information including multimedia content (e.g.,video, audio, print, graphics, web links to sponsored websites, socialmedia sites, and/or video-on-demand players, etc.). In many instances,it may be desirable for the icon associated with the content tohighlight the specific type of asset that is associated with the tag.Thus, the RFI icon may incorporate a symbol that represents the type offollow-on information that the user will receive in response to an RFIrequest. For example, FIGS. 17A-H show a number of icons that areassociated with television programs. The icons include symbols 1544-1558which respectively indicate that the associated tags include generalinformation, a coupon or financial incentive, a contest or give-away, anopinion poll, a commercial clip, a music clip, political campaigninformation, and a recipe.

The RFI icon may also provide an indication of the geographical scope ofthe follow-on information or asset that will be provided in response toan RFI request. For example, FIG. 18 shows an RFI icon 1560 thatincludes an indication that a coupon/promotional deal 1562 associatedwith the content of interest 1564, or a televised McDonalds®advertisement, is valid at McDonalds® restaurants in Queens, N.Y.Incorporating such geographic indicators into RFI icons allows thesystem to function equally regardless of whether RFI tags and theircorresponding assets are geographically dependent or applicable on anationwide basis. As an alternative to implementing ageographically-specific RFI icon such as the icon 1560, a user maysubmit an RFI request in relation to a non-location-specific icon, andancillary information known about the user (e.g., metadata indicatingthe user's physical location) may be applied to tailor the follow-onasset geographically. That is, while an RFI icon may not contain ageographical or other specialized indicator, the follow-on assetprovided in response to the user's RFI request may be tailoredgeographically or otherwise to accommodate ancillary information knownabout the requesting user.

Notably, while the code submitted to the RFI system as part of an RFIrequest may bean explicit identifier such as an alphabetic, numeric, oralphanumeric character string, a barcode, a UPC code, a QR code, and soon, the code may be any content identifier capable of being used toassociate the content of interest with its corresponding media tag andasset. That is, as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 12-13 , the codemay be an element of the content itself, such as a recorded video oraudio snippet or a captured image of the content. In these instances,the RFI system may process the code using audio, voice, image, and/orvideo recognition algorithms and/or any other appropriate processinglogic to identify the content source of the submitted code.

As noted above, the user may also select the “directory” option withinthe RFI application shown in FIG. 14A. FIG. 19A-B show an example of aninterface that may be provided upon selection of this “directory”option. By accessing this option, the user may organize and managehis/her tags in an indexed fashion such that the user may repeatedlyreturn to the directory to conveniently locate previously requestedassets/tags. In this embodiment, the interface includes a panel 1566identified by the “my SnapTags” label and a panel 1568 identified by the“new campaigns” label. The “my SnapTags” panel 1566 can be navigated toaccess tags previously requested by the user. In this case, the tags canbe searched by the content from which codes identifying the tags werecaptured (e.g., television, newspaper, magazine, Internet, radio,poster/billboard, physical store, individual, location). The user cannavigate a series of screens to identify a particular tag previouslyrequested by the user and select the tag. Upon selecting the tag, theuser may receive additional information or a notification concerning theadditional information. In the latter regard, the notification mayinclude an email, URL, or other information for use in retrieving theadditional information.

The new campaigns panel 1568 can be used to search and select a new tagnot previously entered by the user. In the illustrated example, thesenew tags can be searched by subject matter, for example, movies,restaurants, or local events. The user can navigate a series of screensto access information of interest. As shown in an example featured inFIG. 19B, the user may select “music,” then “country,” followed by“Miley Cyrus” to view and select from available tags associated withfollow-on assets that include information about Miley Cyrus. It will beappreciated that other interface elements or search functionalities canbe provided in connection with the directory option.

In the case where the user has selected the “take a picture” option, theuser may receive an interface as indicated by screenshot 1570 of FIG.20A. The illustrated screenshot 1570 shows an image panel 1572displaying the image to be captured as well as a user input panel 1574for executing RFI functionality. In the illustrated example, the user isoperating the application to capture an image of a television program.The illustrated television program is “Top Chef” on the Bravo channel,and an RFI icon is superimposed on the screen. The user may use theinput panel 1574 to snap the picture and then send the picture to theRFI system. In response, the user may receive a web-based asset such asthe one illustrated by screenshot 1576. The additional information mayconcern the program, a topic discussed in the program (e.g., recipes forthe summer), a product that is the subject of product placement embeddedin the program, or any other information of potential interest. Forinstances, the user may receive information about the featured chef(i.e., Padma Lakshmi) and/or recipes for dishes featured on the show.This information may be bundled with advertisements such that the usermay receive the asset free of charge, while providing a revenuegenerating stream for the system operator. In some cases, the user maybe provided with further options, e.g., “program information,” “productinformation,” or “subject matter” options.

FIG. 20B provides a further example where the “take a picture” option isused in connection with a television commercial. In this case,screenshot 1578 illustrates an interface that can be used to capture andtransmit an image of the commercial with an embedded RFI icon. Asdiscussed above, the RFI system can recognize the RFI icon, extract thecode or character string provided with the RFI icon, and match the codeagainst a library of stored media tags that are associated withresponsive assets. In the illustrated example, the responsive asset isindicated by screenshot 1580. The illustrated screenshot 1580 providesadditional product information and a URL for accessing additionalinformation or consummating an online transaction. It also provides acoupon for a 2-for-1 purchase of the advertised product, Dove® soap.

FIG. 20C shows a further example of the “take a picture” functionality.In this case, a screenshot 1582 illustrates an interface that can beused to capture an image of a televised sporting event including an RFIicon. A screenshot 1584 shows that the responsive asset includes playerinformation, together with other advertisements for products. Theadvertisements for other products may relate to the subject matter ofthe RFI icon, may be identified as being of likely interest to the userbased on the RFI icon or other information (such as classificationinformation inferred by a targeted advertising system), or may beconventionally targeted.

FIG. 20D illustrates a further use of the “take a picture” option. Inthis case, a screenshot 1586 shows that the user may operate the smartphone to capture a picture of ambient advertising, specifically, an addisplayed on a vehicle and including a URL, www.match.com. In responseto transmission of the captured image, the user may receive associatedinformation shown in screenshot 1587. For example, the user may bedirectly forwarded to the URL, may be provided with additionalinformation relating to the URL, and may be provided advertising thatrelates to the captured image. The user may be able to navigate from theadvertisement directly to the associated URL to execute a transaction orother activity.

FIG. 20E shows yet another use of the “take a picture” option. In thisexample, the user may operate the smart phone to capture a picture of amovie poster 1588 that contains an RFI icon. In response, an asset 1590containing follow-on information may be provided. The asset 1590 mayinclude information about the movie, including movie trailers,show-times and locations, behind-the-scenes interviews, informationabout the actors, and/or discounted movie tickets. FIG. 20E alsodemonstrates that an RFI request may be submitted through one userdevice, such as a smart phone, while an asset containing follow-oninformation may be accessed or retrieved using another device, such as atablet computer.

FIG. 21A shows an interface 1592 that may be provided in connection withselection of the “record audio” option, discussed above. For example,this option may be selected to record a radio advertisement or the audiotrack of a television program or commercial. The illustrated interfacecan be used to initiate and terminate recording as well as to send therecorded audio information to the RFI system. The interface may furtherinclude a display to indicate to the user that audio is being capturedand to indicate the quality or magnitude of the audio signal.

For example, a user may select the “record audio” option to record or“sniff” a snippet of a radio or television program or other asset thathas been associated with one or more tags. Once the snippet has beenrecorded, the sniffed snippet may be sent to the RFI system alone oralong with time-stamp and/or other identifying information to be matchedwith a tag for provision to the user. In this regard, the system mayemploy discovery engine technology (e.g., analogous to conventionalaudio recognition technologies such as Shazam® music identificationsoftware) to identify a content source of the sniffed audio snippet.That is, the discovery engine software may analyze the audio snippet todetermine that the snippet was recorded during the most recent episodeof Top Chef, during the ninth inning of the latest World Series baseballgame, or during the popular radio talk show Car Talk. Once the contentsource of the snippet has been identified, the RFI system may identifyone or more tags that were associated with that particular item ofcontent and apply several factors to narrow the tags down to thespecific tag of interest to the user. For example, a time stampaccompanying the sniffed snippet may indicate that the snippet wasrecorded over the first thirty seconds of the show Top Chef This timingmay coincide with when an RFI icon appeared on the screen to indicate anavailable asset relating to the subject of Thai cuisine, the featuredcuisine of that episode. With this information, the RFI system may matchthe sniffed snippet with the Thai cuisine tag and provide an associatedasset to the user in response to the user's RFI request. Alternatively,the audio snippet may be directly correlated to a tag (without theintermediate step of identifying a program or the like). Notably, thistype of audio code matching may apply equally to any television content,including programming and commercial content, as well as radio contentsuch as music, commercial content, and radio talk show programming.

The “record audio” option also enables a user to record his/her ownvoice. As shown in screenshot 1594 of FIG. 21B, the user may enter the“record audio” option with the application and may select “voice recordsnaptags” to begin recording. The recording may include a description ofthe content for which the user desires follow-on information (a webaddress, a section of media print text, etc.) or it may simply include arecitation of an RFI character string associated with the icon that isdisplayed in connection with the content. For example, a user mayobserve an RFI icon on the front door of a local business. To obtainadditional information about the business, the user could activate the“voice record” option of the RFI application and recite the RFIcharacter string incorporated within the icon to immediately receive anasset including follow-on information relating to the business.Optionally, the “voice record” interface may display the captured text,e.g., an RFI character string as it is being entered by voice. Thelatter feature is particularly applicable in cases where the smart phoneis equipped with voice recognition software. Displaying the text canensure the accuracy of the entered information.

FIG. 22 also shows a screenshot 1596 of an interface that may beprovided in connection with the “enter code” option. In this case, theuser is able to enter the RFI character string using a touch screen.Alternatively, the user may key in a web address or elect to go to thedirectory.

In another embodiment, the RFI icon or elements generally containedwithin the RFI icon may be incorporated within interactive content thatoverlays an Internet-based content stream being viewed on an Internetvideo player or on Internet-based television (e.g., IPTV or Internettelevision). In these instances, the user may submit an RFI requestsimply by interacting with the interactive content overlay by clickingon the icon or an associated code or link using, for example, a computermouse, a smart phone touch screen, or a television remote control. Aproducer of a tag and a corresponding asset may choose to provide theasset through one or more data platforms. In one embodiment, the assetmay be provided through a data network that is separate from, butcommunicatively coupled to, an RFI system such as the RFI System 3000discussed in relation to FIG. 12 above. For example, FIGS. 23A-B showscreenshots 1598, 1600 of an asset that includes a variety ofinformation and promotional materials relating to the New OrleansSaints® football team. As shown in FIGS. 23A-B, the asset may beprovided as an independent mobile landing website 1602 or atraditionally-formatted landing website 1604. A key characteristic inproviding the asset through an independent landing web site lies in thefact that the asset is stored within and hosted by one or morethird-party servers that may be operated by an entity other than theRPI-system operator. In the embodiments shown, the landing websites1602, 1604 may be hosted by a server or servers that are maintained by,or at the direction of, the Saints® football team. This ability toprovide assets through an independent data platform allows assetproducers to generate, maintain, and serve their own assets whileparticipating in an RFI program. As discussed above, the media tagstored within the RFI system may include instructions directing the userdevice to a URL associated with the landing web site 1602, 1604 and/ordirecting the third-party server to provide the landing website 1602,1604 to the user device such that the provision of the landing website1602, 1604 occurs seamlessly to and without further action by the user.

The screenshots 1598 and 1600 show that the landing websites 1602 and1604 may include search widgets 1606 and 1608, respectively. The searchwidgets 1606, 1608 each provide a search tool that links the landingwebsite 1602, 1604 to the RFI system. A user viewing the landing website1602, 1604 may enter a character string identifying another item ofcontent and be directed to an asset associated with that characterstring. Thus, while the user device has been directed to the independentlanding web site 1602, 1604, the user is still in communication with theRFI platform and may at any time submit additional RFI requests via theconvenient search widget 1606, 1608. The search widget 1606, 1608 mayappear on any appropriate number of tiered web pages within landingwebsite 1602, 1608, and the number of web pages that include the searchwidget 1606, 1608 may be negotiated between the producer of the assetand the RPI-system operator.

FIG. 23C shows a screenshot 1610 of the broadcast television program“Fast Money” on CNBC®. The screenshot 1610 shows that an RFI code “GEH3” 1612 has been associated with the General Electric® stock ticker. Ascreenshot 1614 shows a CNBC® landing website 1618 that is associatedwith the RFI code 1612. The landing website 1618 includes an“interactive brokers” selection 1616 through which a user may purchaseGeneral Electric® stock. Through the use of RFI codes, tags, and theirassociated assets, the RFI system can essentially transform anytraditional item of content (e.g., media content or otherwise) into aninteractive e-commerce platform by driving user traffic to ane-commerce-enabled data platform.

The RFI system may also act as a tool to enable media awareness throughsocial networks. FIG. 24 shows a screenshot 1620 showing a landingwebsite 1622 associated with the program “Nightly News with BrianWilliams” on NBC®. The landing website 1622 features a discussion of theR&B singer Jill Scott as part of “The Grio's 100 History Makers in theMaking” and incorporates a social media icon 1624 that links to theFacebook® social media website. A user may click on the social mediaicon 1624 to automatically link the Jill Scott discussion to his or herFacebook® page 1626, thereby extending NBC's asset to the social mediarealm.

Alternatively, and similar to the implementation in which the asset isprovided through an independent landing website, the asset may beprovided directly through a social networking portal, such as Facebook®or LinkedIn®, that is independent of the RFI system. FIG. 25 shows ascreenshot 1628 of the broadcast television program “Glee” on Fox®. Thescreenshot 1628 shows that an RFI character string “Sue Sylvester Glee”1630 has been associated with the actress Sue Sylvester, a popularactress on the show. The RFI icon 1630 indicates that entering an RFIrequest in relation to the RFI icon (e.g., by capturing an image of thescreen, typing the character string “Sue Sylvester Glee,” recording avoice recording, etc.) will directly load the actress's Facebook page1632 to the user's device.

In another embodiment, the asset may be directly downloaded to the userdevice. That is, rather than merely viewing the asset through a landingwebsite, a social media platform, or otherwise, the asset itself mayconsist of downloadable content that is directly downloaded to the userdevice in response to the RFI request. For example, FIG. 26 shows ascreenshot 1634 of the television program “Sports Center” on ESPN®. Thescreenshot 1634 shows that an RFI code “Watch ESPN” 1636 has beenassociated with the program. Specifically, an RFI icon providing thecode indicates that the available asset is a “Snap An App,” or thatsubmitting an RFI request in relation to the icon, as shown inscreenshot 1638, will download the “WatchESPN” application directly tothe user device for operation upon the user device, as shown inscreenshots 1640 and 1642.

Another implementation allows the producer of an RFI tag and acorresponding asset to provide the asset, or cause the asset to beprovided, through a centralized media portal that is operated by or inconnection with the RPI-system operator (e.g., the centralized mediaportal 3024 discussed above in relation to FIG. 12 ). That is, ratherthan an independent landing website or social media portal, theweb-based asset may be provided through the centralized data networkplatform 1504 identified by the URL www.snapping.com (hereinafter“SnapPing.com”) shown in FIG. 14B.

FIG. 27 shows a web-based asset 1650 provided through SnapPing.com. Theasset provides information relating to the program “The Event” on NBC®and includes video clips, photos, exclusives, episode guides, and more.The asset also includes advertisements for the dating website eHarmony®and for Smirnoff® alcoholic beverages. In this embodiment, rather thanthe asset 1650 being stored within and hosted by a third-party serverthat is merely communicatively linked to the RFI system, as is the casewith the landing website and social media platform embodiments discussedabove, the asset 1650 is stored in memory within the RFI system (e.g.,within the memory 3016 of the network platform 3008 or within thenetwork server 3022). In this regard, the producer of the asset 1650provides the asset 1650 to the RFI-system operator for storage andhosting. The stored media tag associated with the asset providesinstructions regarding the location of the asset 1650 and for providingthe asset 1650 to the user via SnapPing.com.

Beyond providing a platform for delivering requested web-based assets tousers for consumption, SnapPing.com may serve as a hub where userssubmit RFI requests, search tag directories, and organize and sharetags. In one embodiment, SnapPing.com provides both non-member andmember platforms. For example, FIG. 28 provides a screenshot 1652 thatreflects a SnapPing.com homepage 1654. The homepage 1654 includes ascrolling bar 1656 located at the top of the page. The scrolling bar1656 is bordered to the bottom by a number of non-member selections 1658including “filter by category,” “popular,” “movies & TV,” “music,”“sports,” “automotive,” “mobile,” “health,” “travel,” “fashion,” and“financial.” By selecting any of these links, a user may locate andselect one or more tags having associated assets that the user wouldlike to view. For example, selecting the “music” link takes the user toa webpage 1660 shown in FIG. 29 , where the user may link to tagsassociated with assets presenting information about a variety of musicgenres and artists. In another example shown in FIG. 30 , selecting the“health” link takes the user to a webpage 1662, where the user may linkto tags associated with assets having information about a variety ofhealth issues such as “fitness,” “nutrition,” “healthcare,” and so on.The SnapPing.com homepage 1654 also includes a search widget 1657 thatallows both non-members and members to submit RFI requests forparticular tags/assets.

While SnapPing.com includes numerous useful tools for non-members, theRFI system may be used to establish member accounts that enable numerousadditional features available through SnapPing.com. To establish anaccount, a user may provide member information such as a name, address,telephone number, email address, and so on, as shown in a screenshot1658 of FIG. 31 . The user may also provide privacy preferenceinformation that specifies how the user's membership information may beused, whether and how the information may be provided to third parties,the types of asset providers/producers from whom the user agrees toreceive assets, and more. Upon receipt of the member information, theRFI system may process the information and establish an account for theuser. During the setup process, the user may also provide billing andpayment information as shown in a screenshot 1660 of FIG. 32 . Thetracking of billing and payment information facilities e-commercedirectly through SnapPing.com. That is, users may purchase productsand/or services referenced in assets provided to the user device viaSnapPing.com in a manner similar to the way transactions may becompleted through landing websites that are operated by the tag/assetproducers.

To avoid the need to repeatedly request desired tags, the systemincludes an auto-tag feature. That is, in some circumstances, the RFIsystem may prompt the user to define a category of tags that it wouldlike to receive without repeated individual RFI requests. For example,FIG. 33 illustrates one embodiment of a “favorites” interface 1666 thatis accessible to members through SnapPing.com. Using the favoritesinterface 1666, a user may customize his or her account forauto-tagging. For example, FIG. 33 shows that the user may select fromvarious topics associated with a search for the “New Orleans Saints,”including “NFL,” “New Orleans Saints,” “NBC Sunday Night Football,” “NFLShop,” “Drew Brees,” “Reggie Bush,” “Jermon Bushrod,” “Marques Colston,”“Heath Evans,” “Jahrl Evans,” and so on. The favorites interface 1666also allows a user to select from among numerous other customizablecategories within, for example, “Movies & TV,” “Music,” and “Sports.” Ina related feature, the user may specify various filtering parametersthat automatically filter tags for the user's consumption. For example,the user may choose to filter by date within selected categories (e.g.,all tags relating to Madonna posted within the last month and movingforward).

In addition to allowing users to customize auto-tagging selectionsthrough SnapPing.com, the system may also incorporate an auto-tagginginterface that augments delivery of independent assets to the userdevice. FIG. 34 illustrates an auto-tag interface 1664 associated withan asset 1668 relating to the New Orleans Saints® football team. Theauto-tag interface 1664 presents the user with several questionsregarding tags associated with the program. For example, the user mayselect all tags for the current game, all tags for the team, or all tagsfor the NFL. Upon selection of any one of these options, the user willreceive tags automatically without having to submit continued requests.

The auto-tag option may be applied in a variety of contexts. In anotherexample, a jumbo screen may flash an RFI icon associated with a batterthat is up to bat in a baseball game or the RFI icon may be shown in atelevision display. Users desiring follow-on information about theathlete (e.g., height, weight, batting average) may submit an RFIrequest via any of the entry methods discussed above (i.e., take apicture, record voice or other audio, enter an RFI character stringassociated with the icon). Upon receiving the initial RFI request forinformation about the batter, the system may prompt the user regardingwhether he or she would like to receive tags associated with each batterfor the remainder of the game. If the user so elects, the user willreceive tags for all remaining batters without the need to submitadditional requests.

Users with member accounts may also take advantage of exclusive assetsthat are not publicly available. FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of afavorites-type interface 1670. Through the interface 1670, users mayelect to join “FanClubs” through which they may receive associatedassets that are not available without a membership account. For example,the favorites interface 1670 of FIG. 35 shows a number of exclusive“FanClubs” offering assets for music, comedy, television shows, andcultural events.

Member users may also forward tags through a “tag a friend” tool 1672shown in FIG. 36 . Using the “tag a friend” tool 1672, a user may searchand select from among a library of tags 1674 available for forwarding.After making one or more selections, the user may enter a recipient'semail address 1676 and an optional message 1678 for the recipient. Oncethe user clicks “send,” the RFI system forwards an email 1680 containingthe selected tags to the recipient, as shown in FIG. 37 . The recipientmay then select one or more of the tags to receive the associatedassets. It should be noted that while FIG. 37 shows the forwarded tagsas being received by the recipient through email, forwarded tags couldbe sent to the recipient's user account or forwarded to the user via anyappropriate means.

SnapPing.com may also implement a directory interface 1682 fororganizing available tags in a sortable and searchable manner. As shownin FIG. 38 , a user may access the directory interface 1682 to locatetags sorted by numerous primary categories, including “popular,” “movies& tv,” “music,” “sports,” “automotive,” “mobile,” “health,” “travel,”“fashion,” and “financial.” Each of the primary categories may befurther broken down into secondary categories. For example, a userinterested in “sports” tags may use the directory interface 1682 tosearch through tags relating to the “NFL,” the “MLB,” the “NBA,” the“NHL,” the “NASCAR,” “college FB,” “college BB,” and so on. Thedirectory interface 1682 may be structured in any appropriate manner toprovide users with convenient access to available tags and theirassociated assets.

SnapPing.com may also include a personal directory interface 1684 fororganizing member tags. As shown in FIG. 39 , the personal directoryinterface 1684 may be associated with a “my snaptags” tab under whichtags are organized according to “date,” “category,” and “source.” Thepersonal directory interface 1684 allows users to conveniently navigatethe tags that they have requested so as to enable convenient access tothe assets associated with the tags.

Because tags may be associated with any type of content, a variety ofindividuals and/or entities (other than advertisers) may be interestedin using tags to provide follow-on assets for an unending array ofcontent elements. To simplify the tag and asset creation process andmake it available to a variety of tag creators, the RFI system mayinclude a media-generation platform. For instance, the RFI system 3000discussed in relation to FIG. 12 may include the media-generationplatform 3028. FIG. 40 illustrates one embodiment of a media builderinterface 1686 for use in implementing the media-generation platform3028. That is, using the media builder interface 1686, a user may accessthe media-generation platform 3028 to construct web-based assets fordelivery via any of the methods described above (i.e., delivery to alanding website, a social media platform, or a centralized data networkplatform such as SnapPing.com). Specifically, the media builderinterface 1686 may serve as a launch point for a media builderapplication 1688, detailed in FIG. 43 , which includes a number ofappropriate user interfaces and corresponding logic elements to enableusers to build web-based assets for storage within the RFI system or aseparate third-party server.

Using the media builder application 1688, a user may construct a varietyof web-based media assets such as, for example, a classifiedadvertisement 1690 shown in FIG. 41 or a personal advertisement 1692shown in FIG. 42 . Beyond the advertisements 1690 and 1692, the mediabuilder application 1688 may be used to construct any appropriateweb-based asset of any type, style, purpose, and/or configuration.Producers of media assets may include any appropriate individuals,groups of individuals, or entities such as, for example, a teenagerseeking to share summer fashion advice, a youth group, a little leagueteam, a rock band, a commercial entity offering products and/orservices, a non-profit foundation, a book club, and so on.

FIG. 43 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of themedia builder application 1688 for use by asset producers inconstructing web-based assets for provision to users. Specifically, themedia builder application 1688 may include an asset-creation interface1694. Though the asset-creation interface 1694, producers of assets mayupload follow-on content for association with a tag into memorystructures 1696 that may be maintained within a cloud computingenvironment (e.g., within a third-party server, within the structure ofan RFI system) to enable the massive processing demands ofsimultaneously storing and implementing hundreds of thousands of tagsand associated assets. The asset-creation interface may have anyappropriate format that allows a user to fully define a tag and itsassociated content or asset. For example, the interface may includeinputs that allow a user to provide a name and contact info, describethe content to be associated with the tag, design an RFI icon to beassociated with the tag, and upload follow-on content to be provided tousers upon an RFI request for the tag.

FIG. 44 provides a functional overview of an exemplary RFI system asthus described. In the illustrated example, the user uses a smart phone1700 to capture an image from a television 1702, a billboard 1704, amagazine 1706, or a newspaper 1708. Alternatively, the user may submit arequest via a computer 1710 by clicking on an RFI icon contained withinan Internet advertisement. In response, in the illustrated example, theuser may be connected to an RFI platform 1712. The user may be promptedto login at the platform, and the login information may be used toaccess financial information, demographics, and other information,including personally identifiable information held securely at theplatform. In this regard, the user may elect to opt-in to the RFI systemin connection with registering at the platform 1712. The platformreceives information from advertisers or other asset providers. In thisregard, the platform can directly respond to RFI requests from theusers. Alternatively, the RFI platform may respond to a request from auser by forwarding the request, together with other information,optionally including financial, demographic, and other personallyidentifiable information of the subscriber, to the asset provider.However, in many cases, the information forwarded from the RFI platformmay provide demographic or other information pertaining to the user, butwithout personally identifiable information. The information provided bythe RFI platform may include information inferred by a targetedadvertising system. The asset provider may then respond directly to theuser (e.g., via a landing website) or may respond to the user via theplatform 1712. The user may be allowed to opt-in or opt out of theentire system or portions of the system. For example, the user may electto receive information only from the platform 1712 and not directly fromthe asset providers. Alternatively, the user may configure the system toallow contents from or exclude contents from particular sources or typesof sources.

The RFI system described above provides numerous revenue generatingopportunities for its operator and/or its partners. First, follow-oncontent/assets provided in connection with tags may be wrapped orbundled with one or more advertisements. The advertisements may beselected by the operator in any desirable manner. For example, theadvertisements may be related to the type of follow-on informationprovided within an asset. For instance, a restaurant menu asset mayinclude advertisements for cooking classes or other restaurants.Alternatively, the bundle of advertisements may be targeted specificallyfor the user that has entered the RFI request. For instance,advertisements may be targeted based on knowledge of a user'sdemographic characteristics and/or preferences. The user may providethis information voluntarily through a registration process or thesystem operator may gather information using a classifier, discussedabove, or by partnering with a third-party information provider such asExperian. In another option, the advertisements to be bundled with assetcontent may be selected based on an auction that implements anyappropriate auctioning model to select the winning bidder. Revenues maybe generated from RFI icon placement, e.g., a number of RFI iconplacement opportunities may be defined in connection with a televisionprogram, webcast, public display, etc., and such RFI icon placementopportunities may be sold or auctioned. In this regard, certain RFI iconplacement opportunities may command a premium. For example, RFI iconsdisplayed during programming just before a commercial break may commanda higher price. Such icons may be used, for example, to encourageviewing of a subsequent commercial. Any of these advertising selectionand sales options may be combined as appropriate. However, with anyoption or combination of options, users may request and receive tagsfree of charge in exchange for their willingness to receive advertisingmessages along with the follow-on content. In alternative or additionalmodel, users may pay a registration fee to receive tag services that arefree of advertising.

Another source of revenue may stem from the creators of tags/assets whomay be charged a fee for the creation, storage, and management orimplementation of their tags/assets. Alternatively, tags and assets maybe provided free of charge in order to rapidly increase public awarenessand use of the tag service through a drastic increase in the number oftags available to users for request. Moreover, revenues may be sharedbetween an RFI site, such as SnapPing.com, and affiliate sites based onincreased traffic or sales. For example, users may enter a RFI characterstring at an RFI site that causes the user to be linked to a specifiedpage of a social network site or another affiliated website. In suchcases, traffic and/or resulting commercial activity may result inrevenue sharing as between the associated site operators, businesses, orother concerned parties. The above-discussed ability to share and/orrecommend tags to friends further increases user awareness of the tagservice. Such sharing may occur through friends lists associated withthe RFI site (e.g., maintained on the user's account) or associated withexisting social network sites that are affiliated with the RFI site, asdiscussed above. For example, a user may enter an RFI request not forhim or herself, but instead to have the tag forwarded to the user'sfriend or relative. Similarly, a user's tags may be made available forviewing, either publicly or by a defined set of users, at the RFI siteor an affiliated social networking site. Those public tags may beassociated with “like it”-type voting buttons such that friends andfamily viewing the tags may indicate their interest in and/or approvalof the tags. In similar fashion, users may share and/or recommendprograms or other assets with friends or associates using theidentification technologies disclosed herein. For example, if a userwishes to share a commercial or program with friends, the user mayrecord an audio snippet of that commercial or program. Then, rather thansharing a tag associated with that commercial or program, the user maychoose to share an RFI code identifying the content with friends. Insuch a case, the content may be obtained by the friends from YouTube,Hulu, and so on.

In summary, the above described RFI system enables universallyinteractive requests for information in that tag creators may associatetags with literally any type of content, and users may enter RFIrequests through an array of convenient mechanisms. The fundamentalcomponents of the RFI system include the ability to associate follow-oncontent/assets with a tag containing instructions regarding the deliveryor provision of the asset. The tag is, in turn, associated with anelement of media content (e.g., a television program, a radio program, anewspaper article, a billboard) or an element of content that isunrelated to any type of media distribution. For instance, to name afew, tags may be associated with individuals, businesses, buildings, alltypes of commercial products and/or services, and so on. The element ofcontent may include an RFI icon that is affixed to or otherwiseassociated with the corresponding element of content. Users may submitRFI requests, or RFI codes, in several ways. They may type or scan aunique tag identifier such as an alphabetic, numeric, or alpha-numericcharacter string, record audio that identifies the content of interest,record a voice identification of the content of interest, capture animage of the content of interest, or directly interact with aninteractive content overlay that may be imbedded in streaming online orInternet-based television content. Users may also specify preferencesfor receiving tags automatically without additional requests.

In response to user requests or RFI code entries, the system matches therequests with their corresponding tags and provides the follow-on/assetcontent associated with the tags to the requesting users. The contentmay be provided in a variety of ways including, for example, web accessto the content, an email containing the content, a mailing containingthe content, and so on.

In essence, the RFI system provides a mechanism by which users maybypass the Internet search process, which has grown cumbersome with themassive growth of content available on the Internet. Rather than performa search for content of interest, a user may simply enter an RFI codeassociated with an item of interest and immediately receive informationrelating to that item. For example, a tourist strolling down the streetmay see a flashy sports car that catches the eye. Rather than performingan Internet search for the car, which takes time and often produces anumber of incorrect, generic, or tenuously-related websites, the usermay enter the RFI code for the car (e.g., a character string, an image,a verbal description) and immediately receive follow-on informationrelating to the car without the need to perform a more general, andoften time-consuming, search.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a request forinformation (RFI) system 1000. The system allows users of onecommunications network (e.g., a cable television network or a datanetwork such as the Internet) to provide information useful fortargeting assets or follow-on information in another network (e.g., adata network or cable television network). Thus, for example,information regarding viewing habits or classification parametersdeveloped in connection with a cable television targeted advertisingsystem may be used to target banner ads or other assets or follow-oninformation delivered during an Internet session of an associatednetwork user. Conversely, information developed from analyzing Internetusage may be utilized to target assets via the cable television network.In this regard, the targeted advertising system provides direct value toasset providers as well as the MVPDs that enable the targeted assetdelivery system. For instance, information regarding viewing habitsand/or classification parameters that the MVPDs develop in the processof enabling the targeted asset delivery system may be used to assistasset providers including both advertisers and programming providers intargeting assets or follow-on information within separate networksand/or modalities (e.g., access via a web-portal, telephone, directmailing, e-mail). This provides the MVPDs with an additional revenueopportunity and encourages them to enable the targeted asset deliverysystem.

In particular, it has been recognized that some network users havedifferent usage modes associated with different networks. For example,when watching a television program such as a televised sporting event orprerecorded programming, a user may prefer that interactive requirementsand interruptions to programming be kept to a minimum. The same user maybe interested in actively selecting information, and delving deeper intoavailable content during a television advertisement or a data networksession. An asset provider may wish to take advantage of both modes, forexample, by providing a rich and alluring video asset via televisionfollowed by more detailed product information in an interactive contextduring a subsequent data network session using a data terminal (e.g., acomputer, a PDA, a data enabled phone, etc.).

This strategy may be particularly effective and inoffensive where theuser has expressly indicated an interest in receiving the follow-oninformation. The system 1000 of FIG. 8 shows one architecture forexecuting this functionality. The system 1000 includes an RFI platform1002 in communication with a user equipment device 1004 of a cabletelevision network and a data terminal 1010. It will be appreciatedthat, although a single platform 1002 is shown for purposes ofillustration, the associated functionality may be distributed overmultiple platforms. Moreover, though a single device 1004 and a singleterminal 1010 are shown, the platform can service many devices andterminals within a network environment.

In addition, though the system 1000 is described below in relation to acommon user of the single device 1002 and the single terminal 1010, itwill be appreciated that a variety of usage patterns are possible. Forexample, the device 1004 may be used by multiple members of a household.Those household members may or may not also be users of the terminal1010. In some cases, multiple household members who use the device 1004(concurrently or separately) may have separate terminals 1010.Conversely, multiple users of a terminal 1010 may have separate devices1004. Also, each device 1004 and terminal 1010 may be associated with aset of multiple users, which sets may be the same or different. Itshould also be appreciated that the device 1004 and terminal 1010 may beat the same location (e.g., a residence) or different locations (e.g.,one at home and the other at an office or a mobile device).

In one implementation of the present invention, a user or users of thedevice 1004 receive a first asset on the device 1004 and receive asecond, follow-on asset via the terminal 1010. For example, the firstasset may be a product placement ad, a commercial presented during acommercial break, or an entire television program. The second asset maybe product information delivered by e-mail or an e-mailed link tointeractive content. Alternatively or additionally, the follow-on assetmay be made available through a centralized web-portal, delivered to thedevice 1004 (e.g., to be stored for later delivery or on a dedicatedasset channel), or delivered via the mail or by phone.

In the illustrated implementation, little or no user input may berequired to initiate delivery of the second asset. For example, when thetargeted advertising system reports that a particular user or users(e.g., as estimated by an audience classifier) have consumed an asset,the system may prompt delivery of the second asset.

Alternatively, a user watching programming including a product placementad, watching other programming such as a weather report or historythemed programming, or watching an ad during a commercial break mayprovide an input to request further information (an “RFI input”) as partof an opt-in or subscriber RFI program. The RFI input may be entered,for example, by pressing a designated remote control key. This RFI inputmay be responsive to a prompt (e.g., a pop-up message or an RFI iconthat has been embedded in the content and that indicates thatinformation is available) or sua sponte. In one embodiment, the assetprovider embeds an RFI icon within the asset during either thepost-production activities for pre-recorded assets or the productionactivities for live broadcast assets. The RFI icon conveys that theasset is RFI enabled and prompts users to enter an RFI input to requestfollow-on information relating to the asset being viewed. The RFI iconmay indicate the type of follow-on information that is available for theparticular RFI enabled asset (e.g., display a music cleft forinformation relating to music, a dollar sign for coupons or financialincentives, and so on). Alternatively, the asset may include a genericRFI icon.

To subscribe to the program, users may voluntarily create an account on,for example, a rewards accounts platform 1012 made available throughaccess to a centralized web-portal or simply a web-portal configured tomaintain user accounts. In creating the account, the user may provide avariety of information including contact information (e.g., e-mailaddress, mailing address, telephone number), demographic information(e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, geographical location, annual income,marital status), and information relating to the user's consumerpreferences, family and friends, and privacy permissions or consents.

To educate users regarding the RFI system, including the functionalityof the RFI icon and how users may opt-in to the RFI program, the MVPDmay run information commercials or announcements explaining the systemand its operation. Alternatively, asset providers may incorporateannouncements into their scheduled programming in which users areinstructed to press the appropriate button on the remote when an RFIicon appears on the screen to receive related follow-on information and,if the user has not already done so, to log on to a specified website orweb-portal to subscribe to the RFI program.

In this manner, the second asset or follow-on information may bedelivered to the user based on a single input, thus requiring minimalinteraction by the user and entailing little or no interruption of thecurrent television programming/asset. However, if desired, additionalinteraction can be accommodated. For example, after the user has enteredan initial RFI input, the user may be prompted to enter additionalinformation, e.g., via a menu using arrow and enter keys. Suchinformation may include: (1) identifying the user or users requestingthe second asset or information; (2) identifying the modality orterminal(s) for delivery of the information; (3) identifying theinformation desired (e.g., where multiple items of information areassociated with the time of the RFI input such as when a productplacement ad occurs during travel programming; or (4) identifying athird party or parties (e.g., from a friends and family list ofconsenting/participating network users) to whom the information shouldbe sent. Many other types of inputs may be supported.

Based on such inputs, information is transmitted from the device 1004 tothe RFI platform 1002. This information may be raw click streaminformation or processed information (e.g., an RFI message) based on theRFI input. In either case, the RFI platform 1002 uses this informationto determine the time of the input (which may be the current time if theclick stream information is concurrently transmitted to the platform1002) and the channel to which the user was tuned at the time of theinput. The platform 1002 may also process this information to determinedemographic or other user classification information, or to estimate thesize and/or composition of an audience to optimize future time-slot adbuys. Alternatively, the message may include an asset identifier for theasset and/or a user identification and/or classification informationabout the user.

The RFI platform 1002 then uses this information to access an asset playtime information database 1006. This database 1006, which may beconstructed using information from asset providers (e.g., advertisers,programming networks), network providers (e.g., MVPDs), equipment (e.g.,head ends) and other sources, identifies what assets played on whatchannels at what times. The database can thus be used to associate theRFI input with a first asset to which it pertains and, optionally, to asecond (presumably related) asset or asset link to be delivered to theterminal 1010. This second asset or link can then be retrieved from anasset/links database 1014. It will be appreciated that the assets/linksdatabase 1014 can be accessed based on a second asset identifier, afirst asset identifier or any other suitable information. Moreover,though multiple databases are depicted, any suitable data structureincluding a simple database or multiple databases, on a single ormultiple machines, at a single or multiple locations, can be utilized.Moreover, rather than sending an e-mail or link to the user, thisinformation may be used by a targeted asset system of a data network(e.g., the Internet) or of a particular site (e.g., a search engine) totarget banner ads or other assets during a data network session of user.It will be appreciated that such interest or targeting information maybe shared both ways as between the data network targeting system and thetelevision network targeting system.

The subscriber information database 1008 includes various informationrelating to the network users. This information may include, forexample, contact information (e-mail address, physical address, phonenumber, etc.), privacy information such as any consents or refusals tobe contacted via specified modes, by specified providers, at specifiedtimes or with specified kinds of information and promotions, friends andfamily lists, demographic information, loyalty program information, andthe like. For example, an e-mail address may be extracted from thesubscriber information database in order to send the second asset to theterminal 1010. The information contained in database 1008 may beprovided by the user, for example, during the process of setting up auser account or it may be gathered from third parties (e.g., credit cardcompanies, credit reporting agencies) in accordance with the user'sprivacy permissions.

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary application of an RFI system2000 in the context of a digital cable television network and Internetapplication. The illustrated process initiates when the viewer enters anRFI input to the digital set top box using the user remote 2002 (1). Forexample, the user remote 2002 may include a designated RFI input buttonor a particular code may be entered. As discussed above, the assetcurrently being displayed may include an RFI icon or prompt instructingthe user to enter a particular button or code to receive moreinformation. The remote 2002 may be a multi-purpose, commerciallyavailable remote control or it may be a specialized remote.

Based on this RFI input, a digital set top box 2004 transmits a datarequest to an RFI data center 2006 (2). This data request may include,for example, an identifier for the digital set top box, the date andtime of the RFI input, the network to which the digital set top box wastuned at that time (which may be a programming network, an ad channel,or a channel identifier) and, optionally, an asset identifier and/orinformation concerning “who's watching now.” As discussed above, theinformation concerning who's watching now may be determined by operationof a classifier 2003 of a targeted asset delivery system.

The RFI data center 2006 also receives asset data from an asset database2008 (3), which may be controlled by a network provider (e.g., an MVPD).For example, the asset database 2008 may include tables providinginformation concerning what assets were broadcast from a headend 2008,what channels and at what times those assets were broadcast, and moreparticularly, what assets were selected for viewing at each digital settop box 2004. In a targeted asset delivery system, the asset database2008 may include asset delivery information pertaining to each digitalset top box 2004 in the broadcast network, rather than each programmingnetwork channel broadcast over the network, because the assets selectedfor each set top box 2004 may vary according to the classificationparameters of the household or of a specific user within the householdthat the classifier 2003 has determined to be present. The informationcontained in the asset database 2008 can be used together with therequest information from the digital set top box 2004 to associate theRFI input with a particular asset.

Once the RFI input has been associated with a particular asset, an RFIrequest is transmitted to the appropriate asset provider 2010 (4). Thus,for example, an automobile manufacturer such as General Motors (“GM”)may purchase a particular asset spot during a given program. Asdescribed above, a targeted advertising system may operate in spotoptimization mode to deliver specific GM ads to appropriate viewersduring the time period of that spot. Accordingly, one demographic groupmay receive a sports car ad from GM whereas another demographic groupmay receive a minivan ad during that spot. These different GM ads may bebroadcast on different ad channels in synchronization with the spot. Thetargeted ad actually delivered to a particular set top box 2004 is thenreported to the RFI data center 2006, as discussed above. As a result,the RFI request identifies a specific ad that was of interest to theuser and for which the user has requested additional information.

The RFI request sent to the asset provider may also be augmented with aprofile associated with the household or, in a targeted asset deliverysystem that incorporates the classifier 2003, with a specific user“who's watching now.” For example, the RFI data center 2006 may accessstored subscriber information (e.g., demographic information, consumerpreference information) from a subscriber information database 2007. Thesubscriber information may be provided by the user during the opt-inprocess or gathered from third-party sources (e.g., credit reportingagencies, asset provider mailing lists) and may be used to construct auser profile that contains information of interest to the assetprovider. Continuing the GM example above, GM may contract to receiveRFI requests that include income and recent purchasing behaviorinformation relating to the user initiating each RFI input. Thus, theRFI request transmitted to the asset provider 2010 (4) may includeinformation regarding the user's $250,000 annual income and the user'spurchase of a Cadillac Escalade during the previous year.

In one embodiment, the MVPD may employ a privacy database 2009 to ensureuser privacy. In this embodiment, the RFI request contains only generalprofile information relating to the user, not personally identifiableinformation that would allow the asset provider to contact, or otherwiseidentify, the user directly. The privacy database may incorporate MVPDprivacy policies, government mandated privacy regimes, as well asuser-defined privacy consents and permissions provided during the opt-inprocess. In another embodiment, personally identifiable information(e.g., name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number) may beprovided directly to the asset provider with the RFI request whereprivacy policies allow. In these cases, the asset provider may contactthe user directly.

Based on the RFI request, the asset provider 2010 can provide, forexample, an asset package or follow-on information back to the RFI datacenter 2006 (5) that is tailored for the particular user. Thus, GM mayhave various asset packages associated with various vehicles. GM canthen report back to the RFI data center 2006 an asset packagecorresponding to the specific asset identified by the viewer or tailoredto the user profile for that user, in this case, an asset packagecontaining follow-on information targeted to high-income earners thatare not currently GM customers. The RFI data center 2006 may thenprovide the follow-on asset package to a user data terminal 2012 (6),for example, via access to a web-portal or via e-mail. In a subsequentdata network session, the user may access the e-mail or web-portal tointeractively obtain the information requested. If the user subsequentlypurchases an associated product, in this case, a GM vehicle, thepurchase may be reported to the RFI data center 2006, as discussed ingreater detail below.

While the example discussed above relates to an advertisement deliveredduring a break in broadcast network programming, it should be noted thatthe RFI system is applicable to any RFI enabled or other asset, whichmay include advertisements as well as pre-recorded or live programmingsuch as television shows or movies, music, sports, news, and much more.

B. Encouraging and Verifying Asset Consumption

Current technologies make it possible for users of communicationnetworks to skip assets. In the case of broadcast networks, such ascable television networks, users may use DVRs to manually fast-forwardthrough assets contained in pre-recorded programs or they may employcommercial-skipping software to automatically record network programmingwithout assets. Because many users prefer to view programming withoutcommercial interruption, many users of broadcast television networkschoose not to consume assets. This is undesirable because, as discussedabove, programming providers in ad-supported networks are compensated,at least in part, by asset delivery revenues. These revenues subsidizethe significant cost of providing programming and lower or eliminateassociated user fees. Because the cost to air a given asset generallyrises as the size of the audience increases, the practice of skippingassets has the potential to undermine the business model that makesad-supported content dissemination viable. While this is a concern toasset providers, network operators, and programming providers, it isalso a concern for users who have come to expect advertisersubsidization of the costs of making content available viacommunications networks.

Nonetheless, it is believed that many users may be willing to receiveand consume assets (e.g., first and second/follow-on assets andinformation) if provided sufficient economic motivation. In this regard,the RFI system includes a mechanism for encouraging asset consumption inorder to further improve the effectiveness the targeted asset deliverysystem so as to fully realize the benefits of ad-supported programming,discussed above. Such a mechanism involves offering monetaryremuneration in exchange for the verified consumption of first and/orsecond assets. This monetary remuneration may take several forms,including, for example, direct payment, network service credits and/orupgrades, cash or merchandize prizes, product and/or service discountsfrom participating asset providers, and the like.

Generally, a consumer loyalty or rewards program may be based onverified asset consumption and/or requests for follow-on assets orinformation. For example, a rewards account may be established for allnetwork users or a portion of participating network users. Then eachuser's consumption of assets may be verified, and the associated rewardsaccount may be credited value based on the verified consumption ofassets.

In the context of a first asset delivered via a cable televisionnetwork, a Multiple System Operator (MSO) may establish an account foreach network user. Then a user equipment device may verify theconsumption of assets by monitoring user inputs at the user equipmentdevice, and in response, the rewards account associated with the userequipment device may be credited value based on the verified consumptionof assets shown at the user equipment device and/or based on additionaluser inputs to the user equipment device, made at or near the time ofasset delivery, that indicate a network user's request for or consent toreceive follow-on information via another network and/or modality.Credits to network users may include, for example, credits against thenetwork user's bill, credits towards upgrades or extras (e.g., fee basedservices such as VOD programs), credits towards a threshold forreceiving an award such as one-month of free services, or creditstowards a third party or affiliate rewards program (e.g., frequent flyermiles, Upromise accounts, purchasing points and/or discounts withparticipating venders, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, asset skipping events can be recorded andreported so that network users electing to skip assets may beappropriately billed (or have their existing bill adjusted) tocompensate for the value that the asset provider is notionallydiminished by the asset skip event. Such recording and reporting ofasset skip events, calculation of an appropriate amount of compensation,and billing of network users for such asset skip events is described inco-assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/024,714,entitled “Verifying and Encouraging Asset Consumption in aCommunications Network” and having a filing date of Feb. 1, 2008, theentire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The loyalty or rewards program also contemplates a lottery reward systemin which a sweepstakes-type prize (e.g., money, product(s)) may beawarded to a network user or users that are randomly selected at oraround the time that an asset is being consumed. For example, a randomlyselected network user that has consumed an entire asset may receive aprompt at the close of the asset indicating that the user should respondwith a certain input to the user equipment device. If the network userresponds accordingly, the rewards account associated with the userequipment device may be credited value based on the user's input or theuser may be given further instruction regarding claiming and receivingthe prize via the contact information (e.g., e-mail, mailing address,telephone number) associated with the rewards account. Because networkusers must consume assets to be selected as a winner, network users areencouraged to consume assets out of a desire to be included in the groupof eligible candidates.

The consumer loyalty or rewards program discussed above may also be usedto encourage network users to provide valuable classificationinformation and/or to consume second or follow-on assets. For example,network users may opt-in or consent to collection of information out ofa desire to participate in the program or to improve asset targeting. Inthis regard, network users may provide contact information, demographicor lifestyle information, product interests, or other information in aregistration process associated with the loyalty or rewards program.Further, and as discussed above, network users may request or agree toreceive follow-on assets through a separate network (e.g., the Internetor e-mail) or via another modality (e.g., contact by phone or mail) inexchange for incentives offered through the loyalty or rewards program.

In addition, the information acquired in connection with such a consumerloyalty or rewards program may have value for other applications. Forexample, in verifying asset consumption by monitoring user inputs at theuser equipment device, the system may accumulate information regardingwhich network users have consumed what assets, how many consumers haveelected not to consume an asset and/or what level of interest wasindicated by consumers (e.g., a click stream may indicate a highlikelihood that a user was present, an intentional dwelling on theasset, a muting or reduced volume for the asset, etc.), and which usersexpressed interested in receiving follow-on information relating to aparticular asset. All of this information, regardless of whether it isaccumulated during the process of verifying asset consumption to carryout the rewards program or voluntarily provided by network users inorder to participate in the rewards program, may be used to value assetdelivery, to analyze the effectiveness of an ad campaign, or to betterunderstand the target audience for an asset, and therefore, the targetmarket for a product.

FIG. 8 illustrates the integration of the rewards program into the RFIsystem 1000. Specifically information recorded at user equipment devices1004, 1010 may be provided to the RFI platform 1002. This informationmay include user inputs relating to asset consumption or skip events orto requests for follow-on information. Accordingly, this information maybe processed and sent to a rewards accounts platform 1012 such thatnetwork users may be credited based on consumption of assets or billedappropriately based on asset skipping. In addition, value may becredited to a rewards account in connection with receiving a secondasset or sending an asset to others on the network user's friends andfamily list. In this regard, information reflecting such activities isreported to platform 1012 for recording purposes.

C. Acquiring Consumer Behavior Information

The RFI platform 1002 may also receive consumer behavior information1020. This consumer behavior information 1020 may include any kind ofinformation of interest to content providers, including asset andprogramming providers or others to, for example, close the loopconcerning analysis of asset or follow-on information effectiveness. Forexample, the behavior information 1020 may relate to purchasingdecisions made by consumers after viewing a first asset and/or a secondor follow-on asset. Such information may be acquired from a third partydatabase such as, for example, a credit card company, credit agency, ora credit card transaction processing service. Consumer behaviorinformation 1020 may also be reported to the RFI platform 1002 by assetproviders and/or associated vendors or retailers that are able to trackpurchases through the use of loyalty numbers or member IDs that areassociated with participating network users' loyalty or rewards programaccounts. Further, network providers such as MVPDs could partner withthird-party consumer marketing services or affiliate program providersthat monitor member purchases made with participating asset providersand/or retailers. Alternatively, consumers may report transactioninformation directly to the RFI platform 1002.

D. Correlating Asset Consumption to Consumer Behavior Information

Once asset consumption has been verified and consumer behaviorinformation has been collected, as discussed above, the RFI platform1002 can correlate such consumer behavior information to assetconsumption information so as to identify instances where, for example,a consumer has purchased a product after consuming a first asset and/ora second or follow-on asset related to that product. This will allowasset providers to close the loop regarding the effectiveness of assetsand to develop improved metrics for analyzing the effectiveness ofassets.

Additionally, the ability to statistically correlate asset consumptionwith consumer purchasing behavior allows for other revenue models inrelation to asset delivery. For example, as part of the loyalty orrewards program, not only network users/consumers, but also programmingnetworks, network operators or other parties may receive an additionalelement of remuneration in cases where a product is purchased afterassets have been consumed. For example, the network user/consumer mayreceive a discount in relation to the purchase or in relation to a billfor network usage. In addition, one or more of the programming networks,network affiliates or network operators (e.g., MVPDs) may receiveadditional revenues associated with delivery of assets that result inpurchasing decisions.

E. System Operation

FIGS. 10 and 11 provide flow charts that summarize the functionality ofthe RFI system from the perspective of a user and an MVPD, respectively.While this discussion relates to an RFI utility operating within abroadcast network environment, the described functionality appliesequally to an independent RFI system, such as the RFI system 3000discussed above (FIG. 12 ), which may operate in a manner that isindependent of an MVPD and outside of a broadcast network environment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a user initially opts-in or subscribes (1102) tothe RFI program by creating a user account (1102). During the process ofcreating the user account, the user provides user identification andcontact information (11041). The user also selectively provides avariety of demographic information (11042) including, for example, theuser's gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, and income level. Theuser may also choose to link the account to various third-partydatabases and/or affiliate programs (11043). For instance, the user maychoose to link the account to his or her Visa card such that all Visapurchases are automatically reported to the user's account so that theuser may be credited value in conjunction with a rewards or loyaltyprogram, as discussed above. In another example, the user may link theaccount to participating online asset providers (e.g., Target, Dell,Apple) through which the user may receive discounts. The user may alsoconstruct a friends and family list (11044) that identifies individualswho might be interested in receiving RFI information from the user orfrom the RFI system. The user may also detail consumer preferences(11045) regarding a variety of goods and services. Finally, the user maystipulate privacy permissions (11040 regarding the user's personallyidentifiable information and the parameters surrounding the user'sagreement to be contacted by the MVPD or third parties (e.g., whichparties may contact the user, how the user may be contacted, what userinformation may be provided to third parties). It should be noted thatthis list is not exhaustive and the invention contemplates the provisionof any appropriate information to better enable the RFI system.

After the user creates an account, the user watches television (1106)according to the user's normal patterns. When viewing an RFI enabledasset of interest, the user presses the appropriate RFI button on theremote control when the RFI icon (1108) appears on the screen (e.g.,provides an RFI input) to indicate an interest in receiving follow-oninformation relating to the asset. When ready to review one or more setsof follow-on information that have been provided in response to theuser's RFI inputs, the user logs on to his or her user account andaccesses the follow-information via a web-portal (1110). Alternatively,and depending on the user's preferences, the user may receive thefollow-on information via e-mail, mail, or telephone. To close the loopin relation to the user's consumption of RFI enabled assets andfollow-on information, the user may choose to directly report the user'sconsumer behavior information (1112) in exchange for value credited tothe user's account as part of a rewards or loyalty program.

FIG. 11 summarizes the functionality of the RFI system from an MVPD'sperspective. The MVPD initially receives an RFI enabled asset to bebroadcast over the broadcast television network (1202). The asset mayinclude an embedded RFI icon to indicate to users that follow-oninformation is available in relation to the asset. As discussed above,the RFI icon may convey the type of follow-on information that isavailable (e.g., music, data, discounts) or it may be general such thatthe user may stipulate the type of information that is desired at thetime the user accesses or retrieves the follow-on information. Inaddition, while the asset provider may insert or embed the RFI iconduring production of the asset, the MVPD or any other appropriate partymay also insert the RFI icon.

Once the MVPD receives an RFI enabled asset, it transmits the RFIenabled asset to a set top box that corresponds to a subscribing user(1204) via the broadcast television network. In turn, the MVPD receivesan RFI input from the user (1206). The RFI input indicates that the useris interested in receiving follow-on information in relation to the RFIenabled asset. Next, the MVPD consults the RFI input as well as an assetdatabase containing asset delivery information pertaining to the set topbox to correlate the RFI input to the asset that was being viewed at thetime of the RFI input (1208), or to identify the asset of interest.Optionally, the MVPD may consult a subscriber information database tobuild a user profile for the requesting user (1210). The user profilemay correspond to the user's household or, in a targeted asset deliverysystem that incorporates a classifier, the user profile may correspondto the user or users actually present at the time of the RFI input. Theuser profile may be filtered according to various privacy regimes (e.g.,government mandated, user specified, MVPD policy) set forth in a privacyinformation database. Because the user profile contains demographic andconsumer preference information relating to the consumer, the profileprovides a valuable statistical data point to assist the asset providerin discerning the type of user or users that consume the assetprovider's assets and/or products.

In addition, a user's RFI input might be ambiguous. For instance, it maycorrespond to more than one asset or the input might have been made whenthere is no RFI icon shown on the screen. In this case, it may bedesirable to use the web-portal or an e-mail request to gather furtherinformation from the user to assist the system in determining therelated asset. In one possible implementation, the user may be presentedwith a frame of video that was captured at the approximate time that theuser entered the RFI input.

Once the asset of interest has been identified, the MVPD transmits tothe asset provider an RFI request specifying the asset of interest and,if applicable, the user's profile (1212). In response, the MVPD receivesa package of assets or follow-on information from the asset provider fordelivery to the user (1214). The MVPD transmits the package of assets orfollow-on information to the user (1216) via any appropriate means ofcommunication. For example, the follow-on information may be provided tothe user via access to a centralized web-portal operated in conjunctionwith the user's account or the follow-on information may be transmittedto the user via e-mail (e.g., a web link provided in an e-mail), mail,or by telephone.

After transmitting the follow-on information, the MVPD may gatherconsumer behavior information relating to the user (1218). The consumerbehavior information may be derived from a variety of sources,including, for example, direct reporting from the user, tracking ofmemberships and/or loyalty accounts the user has established with assetproviders and linked to the RFI system (e.g., a Safeway club card, anREI membership, a Costco membership), and partnering with third partiesthat maintain databases of consumer information (credit card companies,credit reporting agencies, affiliate programs). Once consumer behaviorinformation has been collected, the MVPD may statistically correlateinformation relating to the user's consumption of assets (both RFIenabled assets and follow-on information) with the user's consumerbehavior information (1220) to gain information regarding asseteffectiveness and impact on consumer behavior information.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with theabove teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are withinthe scope of the present invention. The embodiments describedhereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known ofpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with variousmodifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of thepresent invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construedto include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

1-49. (canceled)
 50. A method for use in providing information to usersof communications networks, comprising the steps of: receiving, at afirst data network platform from a first device of a data network,request information regarding an indication of interest specific to afirst network user, wherein said first device is a mobile data device ofsaid data network, said indication being provided by operating saidfirst device to enter information obtained in connection with deliveryof first broadcast content to said first network user via a seconddevice separate from said first device; and using said first datanetwork platform of said data network remote from said first device forprocessing said request information to make an association of saidrequest information to a first provider of goods or services and, basedon said association, providing access to purchase information of saidfirst provider, wherein said request information is indexed to saidfirst network user at said first data network platform such that saidpurchase information of said first provider can be accessed by saidfirst network user via one of the first device, at a time separate froma time of delivery of said first broadcast content, and a user devicedifferent than said first device.
 51. The method as set forth in claim50, wherein said first device is a smart phone.
 52. The method as setforth in claim 50, wherein said first broadcast content includes anenabling element and request information is entered in relation to saidenabling element.
 53. The method as set forth in claim 50, wherein saidrequest information is entered independent of any enabling element ofsaid first broadcast content.
 54. The method as set forth in claim 50,wherein said first device is associated with multiple users and saidmethod further comprises identifying said first network user associatedwith said input from among said multiple users.
 55. The method as setforth in claim 50, wherein said first broadcast content is anadvertisement.
 56. The method as set forth in claim 55, wherein saidadvertisement is delivered during a break in programming.
 57. The methodas set forth in claim 50, wherein said first broadcast content is anadvertisement targeted to said first network user.
 58. The method as setforth in claim 50, further comprising the step of collecting consumerbehavior information associated with said first network user.
 59. Themethod as set forth in claim 52, wherein said enabling element comprisesone or more of a numeric identifier, an alphanumeric identifier, analphabetic identifier, a barcode, and a quick response code.
 60. Themethod as set forth in claim 53, wherein said information request isentered in relation to one or more of an audio snippet of a portion ofsaid first broadcast content and an image of a portion of said firstbroadcast content.
 61. The method as set forth in claim 50, wherein saidpurchase information is accessed via an e-commerce platform.
 62. Asystem for use in providing information to users of communicationsnetworks, comprising: a first data network platform of a data networkoperative for: receiving, from a first device of said data network,request information regarding an indication of interest specific to afirst network user, wherein said first device is a mobile data device ofsaid data network, said indication being provided by operating saidfirst device to enter information obtained in connection with deliveryof first broadcast content to said first network user via a seconddevice separate from said first device; processing said requestinformation to make an association of said request information to afirst provider of goods or services; and based on said association,providing access to purchase information of said first provider, whereinsaid request information is indexed to said first network user at saidfirst data network platform such that said purchase information of saidfirst provider can be accessed by said first network user via one of thefirst device, at a time separate from a time of delivery of said firstbroadcast content, and a user device different than said first device.63. The system as set forth in claim 62, wherein said first device is asmart phone.
 64. The system as set forth in claim 62, wherein said firstbroadcast content includes an enabling element and request informationis entered in relation to said enabling element.
 65. The system as setforth in claim 62, wherein said request information is enteredindependent of any enabling element of said first broadcast content. 66.The system as set forth in claim 62, wherein said first device isassociated with multiple users and said method further comprisesidentifying said first network user associated with said input fromamong said multiple users.
 67. The system as set forth in claim 62,wherein said first broadcast content is an advertisement.
 68. The systemas set forth in claim 67, wherein said advertisement is delivered duringa break in programming.
 69. The system as set forth in claim 62, whereinsaid first broadcast content is an advertisement targeted to said firstnetwork user.
 70. The system as set forth in claim 62, wherein saidfirst data network platform is further operative for collecting consumerbehavior information associated with said first network user.
 71. Thesystem as set forth in claim 64, wherein said enabling element comprisesone or more of a numeric identifier, an alphanumeric identifier, analphabetic identifier, a barcode, and a quick response code.
 72. Thesystem as set forth in claim 65, wherein said information request isentered in relation to one or more of an audio snippet of a portion ofsaid first broadcast content and an image of a portion of said firstbroadcast content.
 73. The system as set forth in claim 62, wherein saidpurchase information is accessed via an e-commerce platform.